9-Day Japan Exploration from India: Tokyo to Kyoto & Beyond

Day 1: Arrival and Tokyo Intro

Tokyo, Japan on May 6, 2025

9:00am

Arrival and Check-in

Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport and check in at your hotel in central Tokyo to settle in and freshen up.
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11:30am

Brunch at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi or grilled seafood at one of the stalls or small restaurants bustling with locals and tourists alike. Open around 9am to 3pm.
JPY1500, 1h30m

1:00pm

Explore Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Visit the ancient Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise shopping street for traditional souvenirs and street snacks. Open 6am to 5pm.
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3:30pm

Walk around Ueno Park

Relax in Ueno Park, visit the pond, and if interested, explore the Tokyo National Museum (open 9:30am to 5pm; closed Mondays).
JPY1000 for museum entry, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at an Izakaya in Shinjuku

Experience authentic Japanese pub dining at an izakaya serving a variety of dishes from yakitori to sashimi. Most izakayas open from 5pm to midnight.
JPY2500, 2h0m
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Day 2: Modern Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bills Omotesando

Famous for fluffy ricotta pancakes and great coffee, this cafe opens at 8am and makes for a classic Tokyo breakfast spot.
JPY1800, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Meiji Shrine

Explore the serene Meiji Shrine located in a forested area, open from sunrise to sunset, for a glimpse into Japan’s Shinto heritage.
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11:00am

Shopping and People Watching in Harajuku and Omotesando

Explore trendy boutiques, quirky fashion stores, and vibrant street culture, perfect for photos and shopping.
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1:00pm

Lunch at Afuri Ramen Ebisu

Known for its yuzu-flavored ramen, Afuri provides a refreshing, light noodle experience. Open 11am to 10pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

2:30pm

TeamLab Planets Tokyo Visit

Experience mesmerizing digital art installations that immerse you in interactive light and water exhibits. Opens 10am to 7pm.
JPY3200, 2h0m

5:00pm

Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue

Visit the famous Shibuya Crossing and statue of Hachiko, a wonderful spot to experience Tokyo’s bustling urban vibe.
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7:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dining at the restaurant that inspired the Kill Bill movie scene, offering traditional Japanese cuisine in a lively setting. Open till 11pm.
JPY3500, 2h0m
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Day 3: Nikko Day Trip

Nikko, Japan on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Nikko

Take the Tobu Limited Express from Asakusa Station to Nikko – approx. 2 hours journey. Buy tickets early to secure seats.
JPY2800, 2h0m

9:00am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Marvel at the ornately decorated Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, open 8am to 5pm.
JPY1300, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Enjoy rustic mountain cuisine including soba and tempura near Nikko station, open 11am to 3pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Explore Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji

Take a bus to scenic Kegon Falls and enjoy views over Lake Chuzenji, a peaceful nature retreat.
JPY1000 for bus and entrance, 2h30m

4:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo in the late afternoon to prepare for the next day’s journey.
JPY2800, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner near hotel

Opt for casual Japanese izakaya or ramen near your Tokyo accommodation to unwind after the day trip.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Hakone Natural Beauty

Hakone, Japan on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Hakone

Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Odawara and then switch to Hakone Tozan Railway to reach Hakone. Approximately 2 hours total.
JPY4000, 2h0m

10:30am

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Enjoy sculptures and art within nature, the museum is open from 9am to 5pm and offers beautiful mountain views.
JPY1600, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bakery & Table Hakone

Dine with views of Lake Ashi, offering fresh bakery items and casual meals, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Lake Ashi Cruise

Take a scenic boat cruise across Lake Ashi with views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. Cruises run approx. 9am to 4pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Ride Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani Valley

See volcanic activity and try black eggs boiled in hot springs. The ropeway operates till about 5pm.
JPY1500, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner and Onsen Stay

Check-in at a ryokan with onsen facilities for an authentic Japanese experience including kaiseki dinner. Dinners typically served from 6:30pm.
JPY15000 approx, Evening
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Day 5: Kyoto Rich Heritage

Kyoto, Japan on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Kyoto via Shinkansen

Take the bullet train from Odawara or Hakone back to Tokyo and then to Kyoto (approx 2.5 hrs from Odawara).
JPY13000, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Enjoy traditional Kyoto street food and snacks at this lively, historic market open 9am to 6pm.
JPY2000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore the famous temple with breathtaking views of Kyoto, open 6am to 6pm.
JPY400, 2h0m

4:00pm

Walk through Higashiyama District

Stroll the preserved historic streets lined with shops, tea houses, and galleries.
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7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Try traditional Kyoto kaiseki or tofu dishes in Gion's atmospheric dining venues. Open till 9:30pm.
JPY3500, 2h0m
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Day 6: Temples & Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at % Arabica Coffee Kyoto

Start your day with excellent coffee and light snacks at this renowned Kyoto roaster, open 8am to 6pm.
JPY800, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of red torii gates at this iconic Shinto shrine open at all hours.
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11:30am

Explore Tofuku-ji Temple

Famous for its Zen gardens and autumn colors, open 9am to 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Taste fresh udon noodles in a traditional setting near Kodai-ji Temple, open 11am to 4pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the beautiful golden temple reflected in its pond, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

4:00pm

Stroll Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through the iconic bamboo forest, best visited in the late afternoon to avoid crowds.
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7:00pm

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Enjoy soba noodles with views of the river, open for dinner till 8:30pm.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 7: Nara Excursion

Nara, Japan on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Nara

Take a train from Kyoto Station to Nara Station, approx. 45 minutes journey.
JPY710, 45m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Explore the massive Daibutsu (Great Buddha) housed inside this UNESCO site, open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:00am

Nara Deer Park Walk

Feed and stroll with the friendly deer roaming freely in this spacious park area.
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12:30pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Try famous mochi sweets and light meals at this popular spot near Nara Park, open 9am to 6pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

A beautiful shrine famous for its lanterns, open 6am to 6pm.
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4:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Travel back to Kyoto to relax and prepare for the final days.
JPY710, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Sample Kyoto cuisine in this historic dining alley featuring traditional eateries and lively ambiance.
JPY3000, 2h0m
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Day 8: Osaka Adventure

Osaka, Japan on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Osaka

Take the JR train from Kyoto to Osaka (approx. 15 minutes), check into your hotel.
JPY560, 15m

9:00am

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Eat fresh seafood and local street food at this lively market, open 9am to 6pm.
JPY1500, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore this historic castle and its museum, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY600, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori

Try iconic street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in the buzzing Dotonbori area.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop and stroll through one of Osaka's busiest and most famous shopping streets.
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5:00pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Enjoy panoramic sunset views from the Floating Garden Observatory, open 10am to 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Taste Osaka’s famous kushikatsu fried skewers in a friendly local atmosphere.
JPY2500, 2h0m
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Day 9: Departure Day

Osaka, Japan on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Have a relaxing breakfast before packing up for your journey home.
Included in hotel stay, 1h0m

10:00am

Last-minute shopping in Namba

Visit souvenir shops or convenience stores for last-minute gifts and snacks before departure.
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12:30pm

Travel to Kansai International Airport

Take the airport express train from Namba station to Kansai International Airport (approx. 45 minutes).
JPY1200, 45m

3:00pm

Depart Japan

Board your return flight to India with wonderful memories of your Japan trip.
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