12-Day Japan Adventure: Exploring Osaka and Tokyo from June 23 to July 4, 2025

Day 1: Arrival and Osaka Exploration

Osaka, Japan on June 23, 2025

7:20am

Arrival at Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Arrive in Osaka early morning to start your adventure. Take the Nankai Line to Namba Station for full city accessibility.
JPY1000, 1h

9:00am

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Enjoy fresh sushi, takoyaki, and local street food in this famous market that opens around 9 AM, perfect for an authentic Osaka start.
JPY1500, 1h

10:30am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic Osaka Castle and its beautiful gardens; open from 9 AM to 5 PM, providing panoramic views and rich cultural history.
JPY600, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori

Discover Dotonbori’s vibrant atmosphere and enjoy iconic dishes like okonomiyaki and kushikatsu at local eateries.
JPY2000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop and stroll through this long arcade filled with trendy shops and boutiques, open till 8 PM.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Mizuno Okonomiyaki

Enjoy authentic okonomiyaki, Osaka’s famous savory pancake, at this popular restaurant open until 10 PM.
JPY1800, 1h30m

Day 2: Cultural Osaka

Osaka, Japan on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Start your day with specialty coffee and light pastries in a laid-back cafe.
JPY800, 1h

9:30am

Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

One of Japan’s oldest shrines, known for its unique style and peaceful grounds. Open from 6 AM to 5 PM.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Explore Tennoji Park and Abeno Harukas

Walk through Tennoji Park and visit Abeno Harukas, Japan's tallest skyscraper with an observation deck open from 9 AM to 10 PM.
JPY1500, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Kushikatsu Daruma

Taste traditional kushikatsu deep-fried skewers, a local Osaka specialty, at this well-known spot.
JPY1800, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the Osaka Museum of History

Discover Osaka's rich history through engaging exhibits and great city views, open from 9:30 AM to 5 PM (last entry 4:30 PM).
JPY600, 1h30m

5:00pm

Evening walk at Nakanoshima Park

Relax by the river in this scenic urban park featuring rose gardens and museums.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tsurutontan Udon Noodle Brasserie

Wind down with exquisite udon noodles in a stylish setting, open until 11 PM.
JPY2000, 1h30m

Day 3: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Fuel up early as the theme park day ahead demands energy.
JPY1000, 1h

9:00am

Universal Studios Japan

Spend the day at the famous theme park exploring rides, shows, and attractions based on popular movies; open from 9 AM to 8 PM.
JPY8800, 9h

6:30pm

Dinner at CityWalk Universal City

Dine at one of the many restaurants in this entertainment complex right outside Universal Studios.
JPY2500, 1h30m

Day 4: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed start before heading out on the day trip.
JPY800, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Nara

Take the Kintetsu Nara Line from Osaka-Namba to Kintetsu Nara Station; about 40 minutes travel.
JPY570, 40m

10:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the giant Buddha statue and impressive wooden architecture; open 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
JPY600, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Try freshly pounded mochi near Nara Park, a quintessential local treat.
JPY800, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Nara Park and Kasuga Taisha

Feed the friendly deer and visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine, open from 6 AM to 5 PM.
Free, 3h

4:30pm

Return to Osaka

Travel back to Osaka to relax and prepare for the next day's trip to Tokyo.
JPY570, 40m

6:30pm

Dinner at Ichiran Dotonbori

Experience a famous ramen chain known for its individual booths and flavorful tonkotsu broth.
JPY1200, 1h

Day 5: Osaka to Tokyo Transfer

Osaka to Tokyo, Japan on June 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before your Shinkansen journey.
JPY1000, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Tokyo by Shinkansen

Board the bullet train from Shin-Osaka Station to Tokyo Station, approx 2h30m. Book tickets in advance for convenience.
JPY14000, 2h30m

11:30am

Check-in and lunch in Tokyo

Check into your hotel and have lunch nearby. Try Sushi Zanmai Tsukiji for fresh sushi, open daily from 11 AM.
JPY2500, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Explore historic Asakusa district and the iconic Senso-ji Temple, open 6 AM to 5 PM.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Walk along Nakamise Shopping Street

Browse traditional souvenirs and snacks leading to Senso-ji.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten

Enjoy some of Tokyo’s best tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) in a relaxed yet upscale setting.
JPY3000, 1h30m

Day 6: Modern Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bread, Espresso &

Start your day with excellent coffee and fresh bakery items in a trendy neighborhood.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Experience a peaceful walk and shrine visit in one of Tokyo’s largest green spaces, open 6 AM to 4:30 PM.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch in Harajuku

Try crepes or trendy cafes on Takeshita Street, the youthful fashion hub of Tokyo.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Shibuya Crossing and Neighborhood

Visit the famous Shibuya pedestrian scramble and nearby shopping areas for a vibrant urban experience.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

TeamLab Planets Tokyo

Immerse yourself in digital art exhibitions that blend technology and nature, open 10 AM to 7 PM.
JPY3200, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen Shibuya

Enjoy personalized ramen in a unique solo dining format.
JPY1200, 1h

Day 7: Tokyo Museums & Parks

Tokyo, Japan on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sarabeth’s Lumine Shinjuku

Famous for American-style breakfast and pastries, open from 8 AM.
JPY1800, 1h

9:30am

Visit Tokyo National Museum

Explore Japan’s oldest and largest museum, showcasing cultural artifacts, open from 9:30 AM to 5 PM.
JPY620, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at nearby Ueno area

Try local Japanese set meals at Ameyoko Market food stalls.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Stroll through Ueno Park

Enjoy the scenery, visit temples, and rent a boat on the pond.
JPY600 (boat rental optional), 2h

5:00pm

Visit Akihabara

Explore this electronic and anime mecca, open till late evening.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Gyukatsu Motomura Akihabara

Savor gyukatsu, breaded deep-fried beef cutlets, a delicious and popular dish.
JPY2000, 1h

Day 8: Day Trip to Hakone

Hakone, Japan on June 30, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a full-day excursion to Hakone from Tokyo.
JPY1000, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Hakone via Odakyu Romancecar

Enjoy scenic views on the 1h30m train journey from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station.
JPY2300, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore outdoor sculptures and hot spring foot baths, open 9 AM to 5 PM.
JPY1600, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Gora Brewery & Grill

Enjoy artisan beer and grilled dishes near Gora Station.
JPY2500, 1h

2:00pm

Hakone Ropeway and Lake Ashi Cruise

Ride the ropeway for views of Owakudani Valley, then cruise on Lake Ashi. Ropeway open 9 AM to 5 PM; cruise from 9 AM to 4:30 PM.
JPY2300, 3h

5:30pm

Return to Tokyo

Head back by train to Tokyo for your last nights.
JPY2300, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu (Inspiration for Kill Bill)

Experience lively izakaya dining with traditional Japanese dishes.
JPY3500, 1h30m

Day 9: Tokyo Shopping and Leisure

Tokyo, Japan on July 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cafe de l'Ambre

Renowned for expertly brewed coffee, a great start for coffee lovers.
JPY1000, 1h

10:00am

Explore Ginza District

Shop premium brands and visit iconic department stores open from 10 AM to 8 PM.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Sushi no Midori Ginza

Enjoy fresh high-quality sushi right in the heart of Ginza.
JPY3000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Kabukiza Theatre

Catch a short Kabuki performance or tour this historic theatre; performances typically from 11 AM to 4 PM.
JPY1000 (for single-act ticket), 1h30m

4:30pm

Relax at Hamarikyu Gardens

Stroll through beautiful gardens and have tea in the teahouse, open 9 AM to 5 PM.
JPY300, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kyubey Ginza

Experience traditional Edomae sushi, highly regarded by locals and tourists alike.
JPY8000, 1h30m

Day 10: Odaiba and Tokyo Bay

Tokyo, Japan on July 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bills Odaiba

Delight in world-famous pancakes with a stunning bay view.
JPY2000, 1h

10:00am

Explore teamLab Borderless

Visit the digital art museum in Odaiba for an immersive experience. Open 10 AM to 7 PM.
JPY3200, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

Enjoy diverse dining options including ramen and Japanese curry.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Palette Town and VenusFort Shopping Mall

Shop and enjoy leisure facilities themed after European towns.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Relax at Odaiba Seaside Park

Take in views of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay during sunset.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Uogashi Nihon-Ichi Odaiba

Savor fresh conveyor-belt sushi by the bay.
JPY2000, 1h30m

Day 11: Leisure and Last Minute Shopping

Tokyo, Japan on July 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The French Kitchen

Enjoy a European-style breakfast in the upscale Marunouchi area.
JPY2500, 1h

10:00am

Visit Imperial Palace East Gardens

Discover the beautifully maintained gardens and historical ruins, open 9 AM to 4:30 PM.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Tokyo Station Ramen Street

Sample a variety of famous ramen shops under one roof.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping at Tokyo Midtown and Roppongi Hills

Spend your afternoon exploring luxury shops, art museums, and cafes.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Gonpachi Roppongi

Enjoy lively Japanese izakaya dining, perfect for your last dinner in Tokyo.
JPY3500, 2h

Day 12: Departure to Vietnam

Tokyo, Japan on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast near hotel

Have a simple breakfast before your departure preparations.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Check out and travel to Narita or Haneda Airport

Take the airport limousine bus or train for a smooth transfer to your international flight.
JPY3000, 2h

13:25pm

Flight from Tokyo to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam

Depart Tokyo with wonderful memories of your 12-day Japan adventure.
As per ticket