17-Day Comprehensive Japan Exploration: From Tokyo to Kyoto and Beyond

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival

Tokyo, Japan on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast items at the Tsukiji Outer Market, a lively spot with many options open from early morning.
JPY2000, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji in Asakusa. It offers a glimpse into Japan's religious heritage and vibrant shopping street Nakamise Dori.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Enjoy sukiyaki, a traditional Japanese hot pot dish, at Asakusa Imahan, a restaurant open from 11:30am to 9pm.
JPY3500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Ueno Park and Museums

Visit Ueno Park, home to the Tokyo National Museum and Ueno Zoo, perfect for a cultural afternoon. Museums open typically 9:30am to 5pm.
JPY620 for museum, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Experience the iconic izakaya-style restaurant Gonpachi, famous for its lively atmosphere and traditional Japanese dishes, open until 11pm.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Tokyo Modern & Traditional

Tokyo, Japan on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Sarabeth's Shinjuku

Start your day with Western and Japanese style breakfast at Sarabeth's, open from 7am, known for delicious pancakes and eggs benedict.
JPY2500, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Meiji Shrine

Discover the serene Meiji Shrine surrounded by forested grounds in Shibuya. Entry is free and grounds are open from sunrise to sunset.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Takeshita Street, Harajuku

Experience the youthful culture in Harajuku’s Takeshita Street with quirky shops and colorful street fashion.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Afuri Ramen

Enjoy yuzu-flavored ramen in a modern setting at Afuri, open 11:30am to 10pm, a perfect lunch stop in Harajuku.
JPY1200, 1h0m

3:00pm

Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

Visit the famous Shibuya Crossing and the nearby Hachiko Statue for iconic photo opportunities.
Free, 1h0m

4:30pm

Shopping & Coffee at Shibuya Scramble Square

Shop at this modern shopping complex with panoramic city views from the observation deck (open until 9pm).
JPY2000 for observation deck, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Uoshin Nogizaka

Dine at Uoshin Nogizaka, a highly regarded seafood izakaya open until 11pm, for fresh seasonal dishes.
JPY4500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Tokyo Cultural Museums

Tokyo, Japan on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Komeda’s Coffee

Enjoy a Japanese-style breakfast with toast and coffee at Komeda’s, a popular chain open from early morning.
JPY800, 1h0m

9:30am

Mori Art Museum

Visit the Mori Art Museum in Roppongi Hills, featuring contemporary art exhibitions. Open 10am to 10pm, closed Tuesdays.
JPY2000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Roppongi Hills Mori Tower Food Court

Choose from multiple cuisines available at the food court with varied options and quick service.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Tokyo Tower Visit

Head to Tokyo Tower to enjoy city views and photo ops; open 9am-11pm.
JPY1200, 1h30m

3:30pm

Shopping at Ginza

Explore the upscale Ginza district with luxury shops, department stores, and galleries.
Free to browse, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tempura Kondo

Indulge in exquisite tempura at Tempura Kondo, a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant open for dinner from 5pm.
JPY12000, 2h0m
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Day 4: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Train to Nikko

Take the JR or Tobu line to Nikko (approx 2 hours) for a day exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites.
JPY3000, 2h0m

9:30am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore the lavishly decorated Toshogu Shrine, the largest and most famous in Nikko, open from 8am to 5pm.
JPY1300, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Enjoy casual traditional Japanese soba and charcoal-grilled items near the shrine, open 11am to 3pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji

Take a bus to Kegon Falls and scenic Lake Chuzenji, offering beautiful nature views, open all day.
JPY2100 for bus and entrance, 3h0m

5:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Travel back to Tokyo by train and rest at your hotel.
JPY3000, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ippudo Ramen

Enjoy a comforting bowl of ramen at the well-known Ippudo chain, open till 11pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m
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Day 5: Travel to Nagoya

Nagoya, Japan on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Bullet Train to Nagoya

Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagoya, approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.
JPY11000, 1h40m

11:00am

Visit Nagoya Castle

Explore Nagoya Castle with its reconstructed main keep and lovely gardens, typically open 9am to 4:30pm.
JPY500, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Yabaton

Try Nagoya's specialty miso katsu at Yabaton, a famous restaurant serving until 9pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

Discover the history of Toyota and technology innovation. Open from 9:30am to 5pm, closed Mondays.
JPY500, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hitsumabushi Bincho

Sample hitsumabushi, grilled eel rice bowl, a local favorite. The restaurant opens till 9pm.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Kanazawa Historical

Kanazawa, Japan on May 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departure.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Train to Kanazawa

Travel from Nagoya to Kanazawa via Shinkansen and Limited Express train; approximately 3 hours.
JPY7500, 3h0m

11:30am

Visit Kenrokuen Garden

Explore one of Japan's top three gardens, Kenrokuen, known for its beauty throughout the year. Open 7am to 6pm.
JPY320, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Moroheiya

Taste the local specialty, handmade soba noodles at Moroheiya, open from 11:30am to 3pm.
JPY1400, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Kanazawa Castle Park

Visit the historical Kanazawa Castle and surrounding park, open until 5pm.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Dinner at Omicho Market

Dine at various stalls in Omicho Market offering fresh seafood and local dishes, open till early evening.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast preparation before travel to Kyoto.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Train to Kyoto

Board a Limited Express train for a roughly 2-hour journey to Kyoto.
JPY4300, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore Nishiki Market and enjoy various street foods in Kyoto’s famous food market, open 9am to 6pm.
JPY2000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the iconic UNESCO-listed Kiyomizu-dera, open from 6am to 6pm, and enjoy panoramic views.
JPY400, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk through Higashiyama District

Stroll through the beautifully preserved historic Higashiyama streets with traditional shops and tea houses.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Dine on traditional kaiseki cuisine in Kyoto’s Gion district, open till 9:30pm.
JPY8000, 2h0m
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Day 8: Kyoto Temples & Culture

Kyoto, Japan on May 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a classic Kyoto coffeehouse breakfast at Inoda Coffee, opening at 7am.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the famous shrine known for thousands of vermilion torii gates. Open 24 hours, no entry fee.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Explore Tofukuji Temple

Visit Tofukuji Temple’s gardens, popular in all seasons. Open 9am to 16:30pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ramen Sen No Kaze

Taste authentic Kyoto style ramen with unique broths at this popular local spot, open 11am to 10pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the iconic Golden Pavilion and its beautiful gardens. Open 9am to 17pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

5:00pm

Stroll along Philosopher’s Path

Walk the scenic Philosopher’s Path lined with cherry trees, a peaceful way to end the afternoon.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Experience traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine featuring tofu dishes near Arashiyama, usually open till 8pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 9: Arashiyama Nature & Culture

Kyoto, Japan on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Relaxed breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the famous bamboo groves early to avoid crowds. Open 24 hours, free entry.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tenryu-ji Temple with its stunning gardens. Open 8:30am to 17:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Shoraian

Enjoy tofu cuisine with views over the river, Shoraian is open for lunch from 11:30am to 3pm.
JPY4000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Boat Ride on Katsura River

Take a scenic boat ride on the Katsura River, offering serene nature views. Available 9am to 4pm depending on season.
JPY3000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Iwatayama Monkey Park

Hike up to see wild monkeys and panoramic views of Kyoto. Open 9am to 4:30pm.
JPY550, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Umezu

Dine at Umezu for contemporary Kyoto cuisine in a cozy setting, open till 9pm.
JPY4500, 1h30m
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Day 10: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Train to Nara

Travel to Nara (approx 1 hour) by train for a day of historic temples and park visits.
JPY720, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

View the giant Buddha statue at Todai-ji, one of the world’s largest wooden buildings. Open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY600, 2h0m

11:30am

Nara Park with Deer

Enjoy strolling the extensive Nara Park area and feeding the friendly deer roaming free.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Savor fresh tuna dishes and seafood specialties, open from 11am to 3pm.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore this historic Shinto shrine famous for its lanterns. Open 6am to 6pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

4:30pm

Return to Kyoto

Travel back to Kyoto and relax at your hotel.
JPY720, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Giro Giro Hitoshina

Enjoy innovative kaiseki dining in Kyoto, open till 10pm with reservations recommended.
JPY8000, 2h0m
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Day 11: Osaka Urban Experience

Osaka, Japan on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Train to Osaka

Travel from Kyoto to Osaka by train (approx 30 minutes).
JPY560, 0h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Try street food and fresh seafood at Kuromon Ichiba Market, open 9am to 6pm.
JPY1500, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Osaka Castle

Tour the historic Osaka Castle and its museum. Open 9am to 5pm, last entry 4:30pm.
JPY600, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Enjoy takoyaki and okonomiyaki, Osaka’s famous street snacks along lively Dotonbori street.
JPY2000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop and stroll through Osaka’s premier shopping street, open all day.
Free to browse, 2h0m

6:00pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building Observatory

Observe panoramic views of Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory, open 10am to 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Enjoy Osaka’s famous kushikatsu (deep fried skewers) at this casual yet iconic restaurant, open till 11pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 12: Osaka & Travel to Hiroshima

Osaka & Hiroshima, Japan on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before checkout.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Explore one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines, open from 6am to 5pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Train to Hiroshima

Travel by Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima, approx 1 hour 30 minutes.
JPY10000, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Okonomimura

Taste Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Okonomimura, a layered pancake specialty, open 11am to 9pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum

Reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, open 8:30am to 6pm. Entry fee required for museum.
JPY200, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check in to hotel & rest

Relax at your accommodation in Hiroshima.
Varies, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nagata-ya

Enjoy authentic Hiroshima okonomiyaki at Nagata-ya, open until 9:30pm.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 13: Miyajima Island

Hiroshima, Japan on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Ferry to Miyajima Island

Take the ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima, a short 10-minute ride, offering scenic views.
JPY360, 0h30m

9:30am

Visit Itsukushima Shrine

Explore the famous floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, open 6:30am to 6pm.
JPY300, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Yakigaki-no-Hayashi

Savor grilled oysters and other seafood, a Miyajima specialty, open 11am to 4pm.
JPY2500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Hiking Mount Misen

Enjoy a scenic hike or cable car ride to Mount Misen summit for panoramic views. Cable car runs 8:30am to 5pm.
JPY1800 for cable car, 3h0m

5:00pm

Return to Hiroshima

Take ferry back to Hiroshima and relax at your hotel.
JPY360, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mitchan Okonomiyaki

Dine on Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at another famed local spot, open till 9pm.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 14: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Hiroshima before departure.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Shinkansen to Tokyo

Take the bullet train back to Tokyo, about 4 hours journey.
JPY19400, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch near Tokyo Station – Ramen Street

Try various regional ramen styles at Ramen Street, open 11am to 10pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Odaiba

Explore Odaiba’s futuristic entertainment area with shopping and waterfront views, open all day.
Free entry, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sushi Daiwa

Experience fresh sushi at Sushi Daiwa near Tsukiji Market, open until evening.
JPY5000, 1h30m
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Day 15: Tokyo Free Day

Tokyo, Japan on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe de L’Ambre

Enjoy specialty coffee and light breakfast at this classic Tokyo cafe open from 8am.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Akihabara District

Visit the famous electronics and anime district, open all day for shopping and entertainment.
Free to browse, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Katsuya Akihabara

Enjoy tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet), a popular Japanese dish at Katsuya, open 11am to 10pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit teamLab Planets Tokyo

Immerse in the digital art museum experience; opening hours 10am to 7pm (Friday open till 9pm).
JPY3200, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at hotel or optional spa

Rest or enjoy spa facilities in your hotel.
Varies, 2h0m

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at New York Grill, Park Hyatt

Celebrate your last night with panoramic views and refined dining at New York Grill, open till 11pm.
JPY15000, 2h0m
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Day 16: Tokyo Shopping & Departure Prep

Tokyo, Japan on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to start your day.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Shopping in Shinjuku

Explore major department stores and boutiques in Shinjuku for last-minute gifts and souvenirs.
Free to browse, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nabezo Shinjuku

Enjoy a Japanese hotpot (shabu shabu) meal in a popular Shinjuku restaurant, open till 10pm.
JPY4000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Samurai Museum

Discover the history of samurai culture in Shinjuku, open 11am to 9pm.
JPY1800, 1h30m

4:30pm

Return to hotel and pack

Prepare for your departure the next day.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tofuya Ukai

Experience exquisite tofu-based kaiseki cuisine in a beautiful garden setting, open till 9:30pm.
JPY10000, 2h0m
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Day 17: Departure Day

Tokyo, Japan on May 21, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
Included, 1h0m

7:30am

Transfer to Narita or Haneda Airport

Use airport shuttle or taxi to reach the airport for your flight departure.
JPY3000-6000, 1-2h depending on airport
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