4-Day Cultural and Culinary Exploration of Japan

Day 1: Tokyo Introduction

Tokyo, Japan on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast with fresh sushi, grilled fish, and tamagoyaki at one of the many stalls in Tsukiji Outer Market. It's a lively spot to start your food journey.
JPY2000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji, in Asakusa. Wander through the vibrant Nakamise shopping street leading to the temple.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Stroll in Ueno Park and visit Tokyo National Museum

Relax in Ueno Park and discover Japanese art and history at the Tokyo National Museum, which opens at 9:30am and closes at 5pm.
JPY620, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ippudo Ramen in Ueno

Savor delicious tonkotsu ramen at Ippudo, famous for its rich broth and perfectly cooked noodles.
JPY1200, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Meiji Shrine and Takeshita Street

Walk through the forested path to Meiji Shrine, a serene Shinto shrine, then explore nearby Takeshita Street in Harajuku for trendy shops.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Enjoy a traditional izakaya experience at Gonpachi, the inspiration for a famous scene in Kill Bill, serving yakitori and other Japanese delicacies.
JPY4000, 1.5h
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Day 2: Kyoto Heritage

Kyoto, Japan on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Start your day with a light Japanese breakfast or a western-style coffee and pastry at a local café.
JPY1000, 1h

8:00am

Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen

Take the bullet train from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station, an efficient 2 hour 15 minute journey.
JPY14000, 2h15m

10:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the iconic thousands of torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Kyoto’s most famous sights. The shrine grounds are open 24 hours.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Taste local specialties like yakitori, fresh tofu, and matcha sweets at the lively Nishiki Market.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning gold leaf-covered pavilion surrounded by beautiful gardens. Open from 9am to 5pm.
JPY400, 1h

3:00pm

Walk in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Enjoy a serene walk through the famous bamboo forest and visit nearby Tenryu-ji Temple. Bamboo Grove is open all day.
JPY500 (Tenryu-ji entrance fee), 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Dine in traditional Gion area with seasonal kaiseki cuisine, experiencing Kyoto’s refined food culture.
JPY5000, 1.5h
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Day 3: Nara and Osaka

Nara and Osaka, Japan on May 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast in Kyoto

Have a quick Japanese breakfast before heading out to Nara.
JPY800, 1h

8:30am

Travel from Kyoto to Nara by train

A short 45-minute train ride takes you to Nara, famous for its friendly deer and historic temples.
JPY710, 45m

9:30am

Visit Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park

See the Great Buddha statue at Todai-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy walking amongst deer in the expansive park.
JPY600, 2h

11:30am

Travel from Nara to Osaka

Board a train for a 45-minute ride to Osaka, Japan’s vibrant food and nightlife capital.
JPY560, 45m

12:30pm

Lunch at Dotonbori

Try iconic Osaka street foods such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki in the lively Dotonbori district.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic Osaka Castle grounds and museum. Castle is open 9am-5pm (last entry 4:30pm).
JPY600, 1.5h

4:00pm

Walk around Umeda Sky Building

Visit the Floating Garden Observatory for panoramic city views. Open 10am-10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai

Enjoy Osaka’s famous deep-fried skewers in a lively atmosphere at Kushikatsu Daruma, open until 11pm.
JPY2500, 1.5h
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Day 4: Hiroshima & Miyajima

Hiroshima, Japan on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast in Osaka

Quick breakfast at a café or convenience store before early travel.
JPY700, 1h

8:00am

Travel from Osaka to Hiroshima by Shinkansen

Take the bullet train, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes ride, to Hiroshima.
JPY10000, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Reflect on history at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, open 8:30am to 6pm.
JPY200, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Okonomimura

Enjoy Hiroshima style okonomiyaki at Okonomimura, a popular multi-floor food building.
JPY1200, 1h

2:00pm

Travel to Miyajima Island

Ferry from Hiroshima Peace Park to Miyajima Island, about 10 minutes plus transit time.
JPY360, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Itsukushima Shrine and explore Miyajima

Famous for its ‘floating’ torii gate, Itsukushima Shrine is a must-see. Explore the island’s peaceful forests and shops.
JPY300, 2h

5:30pm

Return ferry to Hiroshima

Take ferry back to Hiroshima for evening plans or onward travel.
JPY180, 30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Hiroshima Station

Dine at a local restaurant in Hiroshima Station before departure or overnight stay, featuring fresh seafood and local specialties.
JPY2500, 1.5h
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