10-Day Summer Adventure in Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka

Day 1: Arrival and Explore Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on July 26, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast dishes at Tsukiji Outer Market, open from 5:00am to 2:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa

Explore Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple and its surrounding Nakamise shopping street for souvenirs and traditional snacks. Open 24 hours.
Free, 1h45m

1:00pm

Lunch at Asakusa Menchi

Enjoy famous deep-fried minced meat cutlets, a local favorite with crispy texture and juicy filling.
JPY800, 45m

3:00pm

Shibuya Crossing and Shopping

Experience the iconic busy pedestrian crossing and shop at nearby malls like Shibuya 109, open until 9:00pm.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at an Izakaya

Dine at a traditional Japanese Izakaya for a range of small dishes and drinks in a lively setting.
JPY3000, 2h
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Day 2: Cultural Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on July 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at a local café in Harajuku

Try fluffy Japanese pancakes or matcha-flavored pastries to fuel your day.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Meiji Shrine

Visit the tranquil forested Meiji Shrine, a peaceful retreat in the middle of Tokyo, open from sunrise to sunset.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Takeshita Street

Stroll through this trendy street known for quirky fashion, snacks, and vibrant youth culture.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka

Enjoy conveyor belt sushi with high-tech ordering in a fun and affordable setting.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

TeamLab Planets Tokyo

Experience immersive digital art exhibitions blending light and nature, open 10:00am to 7:00pm (last entry 6:00pm).
JPY3200, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner in Omoide Yokocho

Dine in narrow alleyways full of small restaurants serving yakitori and other Japanese bar snacks.
JPY2500, 2h
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Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

Tokyo to Nikko, Japan on July 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or convenience store

Grab a quick and convenient breakfast to start your day early for the day trip.
JPY600, 30m

8:00am

Train to Nikko

Take the Tobu limited express train from Asakusa Station to Nikko, approximately 2 hours.
JPY2600, 2h

10:00am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Marvel at the lavishly decorated shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, open 8:00am-5:00pm.
JPY1300, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Enjoy traditional yuba and river fish dishes in a cozy local restaurant.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Kegon Falls

Visit one of Japan’s three famous waterfalls, accessible by bus from Nikko station; best viewed 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY570, 1h30m

3:30pm

Return to Tokyo

Take the train back to Tokyo for dinner and rest.
JPY2600, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ramen Street in Tokyo Station

Choose from popular ramen shops offering different regional styles within Tokyo Station’s underground area.
JPY1200, 1h
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Day 4: Modern Tokyo & Travel to Kyoto

Tokyo to Kyoto, Japan on July 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café in Ginza

Enjoy artisanal coffee and pastries in Tokyo’s upscale Ginza district, open from 7:00am.
JPY1500, 1h

8:30am

Explore Ginza district

Visit high-end shops and the Sony Park, a creative urban space with interactive installations open daytimes.
Free, 1h30m

10:30am

Travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen

Board the bullet train from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station, journey time about 2 hours 15 minutes.
JPY14000, 2h15m

1:00pm

Lunch near Kyoto Station

Sample Kyoto cuisine such as obanzai (home-style dishes) at a nearby restaurant.
JPY1800, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Hike through thousands of iconic red torii gates on the mountainside in this famous Shinto shrine. Open 24 hours.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Check into Kyoto accommodation

Relax and freshen up before dinner.
Varies, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy traditional Kaiseki cuisine or seasonal dining at one of the many intimate restaurants along the narrow Pontocho alley.
JPY4000, 2h
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Day 5: Historic Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on July 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

A classic Kyoto café serving strong coffee and light breakfast options, open from 7:00am.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the famous golden-foil covered temple reflected in the pond, open 9:00am–5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h

11:00am

Ryoan-ji Zen Garden

Visit the iconic rock garden for meditation and tranquility, open 8:00am–5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Try local street foods like yuba, tofu, and matcha sweets at the lively market.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Gion District

Stroll the historic geisha district with traditional wooden machiya houses, open all day.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Yasaka Shrine

A beautiful shrine at the edge of Gion, open 24 hours.
Free, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at a Kyoto-style Izakaya

Enjoy Kyoto specialties like tofu with sake in a cozy atmosphere.
JPY3500, 2h
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Day 6: Arashiyama Nature

Kyoto, Japan on July 31, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Start the day with a light breakfast before exploring Arashiyama.
JPY1000, 1h

9:00am

Visit Bamboo Grove

Walk through the famous bamboo forest, an extraordinary and serene experience, open 24 hours.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Tenryu-ji Temple

Tour the renowned Zen temple and its beautiful gardens, open 8:30am–5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch along the Katsura River

Dine at a riverside restaurant serving seasonal Kyoto cuisine during summer.
JPY2500, 1h

2:00pm

Monkey Park Iwatayama

Hike to see wild monkeys with panoramic views over Kyoto, open 9:00am–4:00pm.
JPY550, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Kyoto center

Relax at your accommodation or explore local shops.
Varies, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Yudofu specialty restaurant

Taste yudofu (tofu hotpot), a local delicacy especially popular near temples.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Travel to Osaka

Kyoto to Osaka, Japan on August 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Kyoto

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at your accommodation or a local café.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Train to Osaka

Short train ride (15-30 minutes) from Kyoto to Osaka via JR lines.
JPY560, 30m

10:00am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic castle and its museum, surrounded by park gardens, open 9:00am–5:00pm.
JPY600, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Try iconic Osaka street foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in the lively entertainment district.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop in Osaka’s premier shopping area featuring a wide range of stores and boutiques.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Check into hotel

Rest and freshen up before dinner.
Varies, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Savor deep-fried skewers, a beloved Osaka specialty, in a casual atmosphere.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 8: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on August 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast near hotel

Fuel up with a quick breakfast before an exciting day at the theme park.
JPY1000, 1h

9:00am

Full day at Universal Studios Japan

Enjoy rides, shows, and attractions including Wizarding World of Harry Potter; park is open 9:00am–9:00pm.
JPY8900, 9h

7:00pm

Dinner at City Walk Osaka

Dine at various restaurants just outside the park with diverse cuisine options, open until 10:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 9: Osaka City & Departure Prep

Osaka, Japan on August 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kuromon Market

Sample fresh seafood and local specialties at Osaka’s famous market, open 9:00am–6:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

10:00am

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Experience panoramic city views from the Floating Garden Observatory, open 10:00am–10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at local okonomiyaki restaurant

Enjoy Osaka’s savory pancake specialty for a casual lunch.
JPY1300, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Nakanoshima Park

Take a leisurely stroll through this riverside urban park with gardens and museums.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to hotel & pack

Prepare for your departure the following day.
Varies, 2h

7:00pm

Farewell dinner at a fine dining restaurant

Celebrate your trip with a multi-course Japanese meal in a refined setting.
JPY7000, 2h
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Day 10: Departure

Osaka, Japan on August 4, 2025

7:00am

Light breakfast at hotel

Have a light meal before heading to the airport.
Included with hotel, 30m

8:00am

Travel to Kansai International Airport

Take the train or airport limousine bus to Kansai International Airport for your flight home.
JPY1000, 1h
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