14-Day Japan Adventure: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Okinawa Exploration

Day 1: Arrival & Tokyo Intro

Tokyo, Japan on September 17, 2025

1:00pm

Narita Express to Tokyo Station

Take the Narita Express train from Narita airport to central Tokyo, a quick and comfortable way to start your trip.
USD30, 1h10m

3:00pm

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your hotel in Shinjuku, a lively district with good transportation.
USD150 per night (for 3 people), 1h

4:30pm

Explore Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Relax and stroll in this beautiful, spacious garden, great for easing into Japan's culture and nature. Open until 6:00pm.
USD5, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho

Enjoy traditional small yakitori grills and local eats in this atmospheric alleyway.
USD20 per person, 2h

Day 2: Tokyo Highlights

Tokyo, Japan on September 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Savor fresh sushi and street food at this famous market with vendors open by 7:00am.
USD15, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple

Explore this historical temple and the Nakamise shopping street for souvenirs and traditional snacks.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Asakusa Kagetsudo

Try their famous melonpan buns, a delightful Japanese sweet bread.
USD10, 45m

2:00pm

Tokyo Skytree Visit

Enjoy panoramic city views from one of the tallest towers in the world. Open 9:00am-9:00pm.
USD20, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Experience izakaya dining that inspired scenes from Kill Bill.
USD30, 2h

Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan on September 19, 2025

7:30am

Train to Nikko

Take the Tobu Railway train from Asakusa to Nikko (2h), a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for shrines nestled in forest.
USD20 one way, 2h

10:00am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore Nikko's ornate shrine complex, notable for its elaborate carvings and historical significance.
USD10, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Enjoy local rustic Japanese cuisine near the shrine area.
USD15, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Kegon Falls

Take a bus to admire one of Japan's most famous waterfalls, breathtaking in late summer.
USD8 bus fare, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Head back on Tobu Railway to Asakusa.
USD20, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ramen Street, Tokyo Station

End your day with a warm bowl of Tokyo-style ramen from one of the many shops.
USD15, 1h

Day 4: Culture & Shopping

Tokyo, Japan on September 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bills Omotesando

Start with Australian-style pancakes and coffee in a chic setting.
USD20, 1h

10:00am

Meiji Shrine & Harajuku Stroll

Visit the tranquil shrine and then explore youthful fashion streets around Takeshita Dori.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Afuri Harajuku

Taste yuzu-flavored ramen, a refreshing citrus twist.
USD15, 1h

2:30pm

Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

Experience the world-famous scramble crossing and visit the loyal dog statue nearby.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Shopping in Shibuya

Explore trendy department stores and boutiques.
Variable, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Uobei Sushi

Enjoy fast and affordable conveyor belt sushi.
USD15, 1h

Day 5: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on September 21, 2025

8:00am

Shinkansen to Kyoto

Take the bullet train (Nozomi) from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station for a fast 2h15m journey.
USD130, 2h15m

11:00am

Check-in & Lunch at Nishiki Market

Check-in at hotel, then explore Nishiki Market to try various Kyoto delicacies for lunch.
USD120 per night (hotel), USD20 (lunch), 2h

2:00pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Marvel at this iconic temple with stunning views of Kyoto, open until 6:00pm.
USD4, 2h

5:00pm

Walk the historic Higashiyama District

Enjoy traditional shops and tea houses in a preserved old-town atmosphere.
Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Sushi

Savor affordable and delicious hand-rolled sushi in the famous Gion area.
USD25, 1h30m

Day 6: Kyoto Temples & Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on September 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy classic Japanese-style coffee and pastries in a historic café.
USD12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Hike through thousands of vibrant red torii gates for an unforgettable experience.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Vermillion - espresso bar & info

Light lunch and coffee near the shrine, perfect to recharge for afternoon.
USD15, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji Temple

Stroll through the bamboo forest and visit the notable temple with beautiful gardens. Open until 5:30pm.
USD6 for Tenryu-ji, 3h

5:30pm

Dinner at Shoraian

Dine on exquisite tofu cuisine with scenic river views in Arashiyama.
USD40, 1h30m

Day 7: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on September 23, 2025

8:00am

Train to Nara

Travel from Kyoto to Nara by JR train (45 minutes), home to free-roaming deer and ancient temples.
USD10, 45m

9:00am

Nara Park & Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Feed friendly deer and visit this beautiful Shinto shrine surrounded by forest.
Free (shrines may have small fees), 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Edogawa Naramachi

Relish local hits like unagi (eel) in a traditional setting.
USD25, 1h

2:00pm

Todai-ji Temple

See the Great Buddha statue inside one of Japan’s largest wooden buildings.
USD6, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Head back on JR train for rest or evening stroll.
USD10, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy an atmospheric dinner along the Kamogawa river side with many dining options.
USD30, 1h30m

Day 8: Travel to Osaka

Osaka, Japan on September 24, 2025

9:00am

Train to Osaka

Hop on a JR train or Shinkansen to Osaka from Kyoto. The journey is about 15-30 minutes.
USD15, 30m

10:00am

Check-in & Osaka Castle

Drop off luggage and visit the famous Osaka Castle and park grounds (open till 5:00pm).
USD6, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Sample fresh seafood and street food in Osaka's lively market.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Dotonbori Exploration

Explore this famous entertainment district known for bright neon lights, shopping, and street food.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mizuno (Okonomiyaki)

Try Osaka’s famous savory pancake specialty in this popular local restaurant.
USD20, 1h30m

Day 9: Osaka & Travel to Okinawa

Osaka to Okinawa, Japan on September 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Enjoy a light breakfast before your flight to Okinawa.
USD10, 1h

10:00am

Flight from Osaka (Itami or Kansai) to Naha Airport, Okinawa

Take a direct domestic flight (~3 hours) to Okinawa, a tropical island offering striking beaches and unique culture.
USD150, 3h

1:30pm

Check-in at Okinawa Hotel

Rest and freshen up at your beachfront or central Okinawa hotel.
USD120 per night (3 people), 1h

3:00pm

Visit Shurijo Castle Park

Explore the historic Ryukyu castle grounds and learn about Okinawa’s unique history. Open until 6:00pm.
USD7, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Uraniwa (Okinawan cuisine)

Taste traditional Okinawan dishes like Rafute pork and sea grapes.
USD25, 1h30m

Day 10: Okinawa Beaches & Culture

Okinawa, Japan on September 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Island Brew Coffee

Start your day with excellent coffee and bakery treats in relaxed island atmosphere.
USD12, 1h

9:30am

Day at Emerald Beach

Spend your morning swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling at one of Okinawa's most beautiful sandy beaches.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Cafe Nirai Kanai

Enjoy Okinawan specialties such as taco rice with ocean views.
USD20, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

See impressive marine life including whale sharks in one of Japan’s top aquariums. Open 8:30am-6:30pm.
USD17, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Uruma Café Okinawa

Sample local dishes with a modern twist in a stylish environment.
USD25, 1h30m

Day 11: Okinawa Exploration & Relax

Okinawa, Japan on September 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quiet breakfast and prepare for a flexible day.
Included with hotel, 1h

9:30am

Explore Cape Manzamo

Photograph the dramatic cliffs and ocean views at this iconic Okinawan locale.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Adan

Dine on fresh seafood and island flavors near the cape.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Relax and Beach Time

Spend your afternoon at leisure, enjoying beaches or hotel amenities.
Free, 4h

7:00pm

Dinner at Jack’s Steak House

Try American-style steak, a popular choice in Okinawa, known for hearty portions.
USD30, 1h30m

Day 12: Return to Tokyo

Okinawa to Tokyo, Japan on September 28, 2025

9:00am

Flight from Naha to Narita Airport

Fly back to Tokyo from Okinawa with a direct flight of approximately 3 hours.
USD160, 3h

12:00pm

Train to Tokyo city hotel

Take the Narita Express or airport limo bus to your hotel in central Tokyo for last-minute shopping and rest.
USD30, 1h10m

2:00pm

Check-in & Lunch at Tokyo Station

Refuel with lunch at Tokyo Station's Ramen Street or other eateries.
USD15, 1h

3:30pm

Shopping & Leisure

Explore Ginza district for luxury shopping and sightseeing.
Variable, 3h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Sukiyabashi Jiro (Reservation needed)

Enjoy a Michelin-star sushi dining experience to cap off your trip.
USD300, 2h

Day 13: Last Day Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on September 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Enjoy your final breakfast in Tokyo leisurely.
USD15, 1h

10:00am

Visit teamLab Planets

Experience mesmerizing digital art exhibits offering an immersive interactive experience. Open 10:00am-7:00pm.
USD25, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at nearby café

Refresh before departure with a light meal.
USD15, 1h

2:30pm

Last minute shopping or explore Odaiba

Spend your afternoon in Odaiba, a futuristic waterfront area with shopping & entertainment.
Variable, 4h

7:30pm

Dinner at Oedo Onsen Monogatari (optional relaxing spa)

Enjoy Japanese onsen culture and traditional food before packing for departure.
USD20, 2h

Day 14: Departure

Tokyo, Japan on September 30, 2025

6:00am

Narita Express to Narita Airport

Head to Narita airport via Narita Express train for your international departure, arriving at least 3 hours before your flight.
USD30, 1h10m