5 Unique Japan Itineraries: Explore Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Okinawa with Efficient Travel Routes

Day 1: Arrival Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on September 16, 2025

12:00pm

Arrive at Narita Airport

Clear customs and baggage, buy Suica card for local travel convenience.
JPY0, 1h0m

1:30pm

Narita Express to Tokyo Station

Fastest direct train from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station, around 60 minutes.
JPY3,000, 1h0m

2:45pm

Check-in to hotel in central Tokyo

Rest and freshen up before exploring Tokyo.
Varies, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa

Historic temple with vibrant shopping street Nakamise. Open till 5pm.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen Shinjuku

Famous solo ramen booths serving rich tonkotsu ramen, open till midnight.
JPY1,200, 1h0m
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Day 2: Tokyo Highlights

Tokyo, Japan on September 17, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Sample fresh sushi, grilled seafood, and Japanese street food. Market opens 5am to 2pm.
JPY1,500, 1h0m

10:00am

TeamLab Planets Museum

An immersive digital art museum perfect for interactive photo experiences, open from 10am-7pm.
JPY3,200, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Trendy izakaya famous for its traditional interior and delicious skewers.
JPY2,500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Shibuya Crossing and nearby shopping

Experience the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world and visit nearby stores such as Shibuya 109.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Uobei Sushi Shibuya

Conveyor belt sushi restaurant that offers a fun and affordable dining experience.
JPY1,500, 1h0m
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Day 3: Tokyo to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on September 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to catch the Shinkansen.
Included or JPY1,000, 0h30m

8:30am

Shinkansen (Nozomi) Tokyo to Kyoto

Fastest bullet train option, approx 2h15m ride.
JPY14,500, 2h15m

11:00am

Check in to Kyoto hotel

Drop bags and prepare for sightseeing.
Varies, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample various Kyoto specialties at this lively covered market.
JPY1,500, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Iconic golden temple set in beautiful gardens, open 9am-5pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

4:30pm

Walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Famous bamboo forest, perfect peaceful stroll.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa

Traditional Kyoto cuisine in a historic district, reservation recommended.
JPY3,000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Kyoto Cultural Day

Kyoto, Japan on September 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Classic Kyoto coffee shop famous for breakfast sets.
JPY1,000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Famous for thousands of vermilion torii gates, open 24 hours.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Tofu Kaiseki restaurant in Kyoto

Experience traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine featuring tofu delicacies.
JPY3,000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Gion district and Yasaka Shrine

Walk through Kyoto’s famous geisha district and visit Yasaka Shrine.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Numerous restaurants along the canal, great for an atmospheric dinner.
JPY3,500, 1h30m
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Day 5: Kyoto to Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan on September 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a simple early meal before travel.
Included or JPY1,000, 0h30m

8:30am

Shinkansen Kyoto to Hiroshima

Approx 1h40m on the Nozomi or Sakura train.
JPY10,000, 1h40m

10:30am

Check in hotel, Hiroshima city center

Settle in, then start exploring.
Varies, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Museum open 8:30am-6pm, poignant look at atomic bombing history.
JPY200, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Okonomimura

Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at this multi-floor food building.
JPY1,200, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Hiroshima Castle

Castle and museum open 9am-6pm, learn about samurai history.
JPY370, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Nagata-ya Hiroshima

Another famous spot for okonomiyaki with local flavors.
JPY1,500, 1h0m
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Day 6: Hiroshima to Osaka

Osaka, Japan on September 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a filling meal for travel.
Included or JPY1,000, 0h30m

9:00am

Shinkansen Hiroshima to Osaka

Approx 1h30m on a Nozomi or Sakura train.
JPY8,000, 1h30m

10:30am

Check in to Osaka hotel

Prepare to explore Japan’s kitchen.
Varies, 1h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Sample takoyaki, fresh seafood and other street foods from this famous market.
JPY1,500, 1h30m

1:30pm

Visit Osaka Castle

Open 9am-5pm, enjoy castle museum and park grounds.
JPY600, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Dotonbori

Vibrant shopping and entertainment district with giant neon signs.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mizuno Okonomiyaki

Popular okonomiyaki restaurant in Dotonbori, open until 10pm.
JPY1,500, 1h0m
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Day 7: Osaka to Okinawa

Naha, Okinawa, Japan on September 22, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Kick off the day early for flight to Okinawa.
Included or JPY1,000, 0h30m

7:30am

Flight Osaka to Naha Airport

About 2h flight. Airlines like ANA or Peach operate daily.
JPY10,000 - 15,000 per person (one way), 2h0m

10:00am

Check in hotel in Naha

Prepare for beach and cultural exploration.
Varies, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Shurijo Castle Park

Former Ryukyu kingdom palace and museum, open 8am-7pm.
JPY820, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Ukishima Garden

Healthy Okinawan inspired meals focusing on fresh local ingredients.
JPY1,500, 1h0m

3:30pm

Relax at Naminoue Beach

Popular city beach with good views and swimming areas.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Uraniwa

Stylish dining with Okinawan fusion and craft cocktails.
JPY3,000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Okinawa Island Exploration

Okinawa, Japan on September 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for a day outdoors.
Included or JPY1,000, 0h30m

9:30am

Day trip to Churaumi Aquarium

Drive approx 1.5h to this famous large aquarium with whale sharks, open 8:30am-6:30pm.
JPY1,850 (entry), 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at nearby cafe or food stalls

Light lunches available close to aquarium, specializing in seafood.
JPY1,500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Cape Manzamo

Famous scenic cliff with ocean views, free to visit.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Naha City

Relax at hotel or explore local shops.
Transport JPY1,500 approx., 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tacos & Salsa Okinawa

Casual Mexican-style place beloved in Okinawa for fusion flavors.
JPY1,800, 1h0m
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Day 9: Okinawa to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on September 24, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare early for flight back to Tokyo.
Included or JPY1,000, 0h30m

8:00am

Flight Naha to Tokyo (Narita or Haneda)

About a 3h flight, landing in Tokyo midday.
JPY10,000-15,000, 3h0m

11:30am

Narita Express or Airport Limousine to Tokyo City

Transfer from airport to central Tokyo hotel.
JPY3,000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Check into hotel and lunch nearby

Light meal nearby hotel after arrival.
JPY1,200, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Odaiba Seaside Park

Enjoy views of Tokyo Bay, with shopping and entertainment options, open all day.
Free, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sushi Zanmai Tsukiji

Famous chain serving high quality sushi with extended hours.
JPY3,000, 1h0m
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Day 10: Tokyo Cultural Day

Tokyo, Japan on September 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sarabeth's Lumine

Popular American-style breakfast spot located inside Lumine Tokyo.
JPY1,500, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Peaceful forest shrine near Harajuku, open sunrise to sunset.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Harajuku Kawaii Monster Cafe

Colorful themed cafe with unique eats and photo ops.
JPY2,000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Shopping and exploring Takeshita Street

Trendy youth fashion street in Harajuku.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit Tokyo Tower

Classic observation tower with panoramic city views, open till 11pm.
JPY1,200, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu (original inspiration for Kill Bill restaurant)

Iconic Japanese izakaya with lively atmosphere and great dishes.
JPY3,000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Day trip to Nikko from Tokyo

Tokyo/Nikko, Japan on September 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to catch train to Nikko.
Included or JPY1,000, 0h30m

8:00am

JR Train Tokyo to Nikko

2h train ride via JR lines with transfers.
JPY5,000 round trip, 2h0m

10:00am

Visit Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Lavishly decorated shrine open 8am-5pm, UNESCO site.
JPY1,300, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at local soba restaurant

Try handmade soba noodles in Nikko’s traditional setting.
JPY1,200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Kegon Falls visit

24km by bus or taxi, stunning waterfall and observation deck, open 8am-5pm.
Bus JPY1,000, entrance JPY570, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Catch evening JR train back to Tokyo.
Included in round trip fare, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at hotel or convenience store on arrival

Light dinner after a long day.
JPY1,000, 1h0m
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Day 12: Free Day Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on September 27, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
JPY1,200, 1h0m

10:00am

Optional visit to DisneySea or Disneyland

Theme parks open 8am-10pm; full-day experience with advance tickets.
JPY8,200, Full day

7:00pm

Dinner near hotel or in Shinjuku

Casual meal to relax after theme park or city exploring.
JPY2,000, 1h0m
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Day 13: Tokyo to Narita - Departure Prep

Narita, Japan on September 28, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Last breakfast in Tokyo.
JPY1,200, 1h0m

11:00am

Check out and take Narita Express to Narita Airport

Approx. 60 minutes travel, purchase tickets in advance.
JPY3,000, 1h0m

12:30pm

Arrive Narita Airport

Check in luggage and relax before international flight.
Free, Varies
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