Exploring Tokyo's Temples, Shrines, and Culinary Delights: 8-Day Cultural Journey

Day 1: Asakusa Temples

Tokyo, Japan on June 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Asakusa Kagetsudo

Start your day with fluffy melon pan, a sweet bread specialty here, perfect to fuel your temple explorations.
JPY350, 0h30m

9:30am

Senso-ji Temple

Visit Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, notable for its grand entrance gate and vibrant Nakamise shopping street.
Free, 2h0m

11:45am

Lunch at Daikokuya Tempura

Enjoy some of Tokyo’s best traditional tempura near Asakusa, a must-try dish fried to crisp perfection.
JPY2000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Ueno Park Temples & Shrines

Explore several historical shrines like Bentendo and museums inside Ueno Park, blending nature with culture.
Parks free; Museums approx. JPY620, 2h30m

4:00pm

Coffee break at Café Terrace

Relax with a speciality coffee or matcha latte before heading to your evening activities.
JPY600, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sushi Zanmai Asakusa branch

Experience fresh Tokyo sushi in a lively setting, perfect for ending the first day with local flavours.
JPY3000, 1h30m

Day 2: Central Tokyo Shrines

Tokyo, Japan on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Marunouchi Café

Enjoy a Western-Japanese fusion breakfast in a stylish café near Tokyo Station.
JPY1000, 0h45m

9:00am

Hie Shrine

Visit the peaceful Hie Shrine known for its striking torii gates and city views, open from 9am.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Nezu Shrine

Explore this serene shrine famous for azalea gardens and vivid architecture, a hidden gem in central Tokyo.
Free, 1h0m

12:15pm

Lunch at Maisen Aoyama

Taste their renowned tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet), a popular Tokyo dish served with care.
JPY2500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Yasukuni Shrine

Visit this historically significant shrine dedicated to those who died in service of Japan, featuring beautiful grounds.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Kanda Myojin Shrine

Known for its eclectic mix of traditional and pop culture elements, it's lively and vibrant to visit by late afternoon.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Torigin Honten Ginza

End the day savouring yakitori grilled chicken skewers with a modern take, in the upscale Ginza district.
JPY3200, 1h30m

Day 3: Shibuya & Harajuku Shrines

Tokyo, Japan on June 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Onibus Coffee Nakameguro

Enjoy high-quality specialty coffee and light pastries to start the day near fashionable areas.
JPY800, 0h45m

9:30am

Meiji Shrine

Visit this famous Shinto shrine set within a forested park dedicated to Emperor Meiji, open from sunrise until sunset.
Free, 2h0m

11:45am

Togo Shrine

A peaceful shrine dedicated to Admiral Togo, located in Harajuku’s vibrant surrounds.
Free, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Afuri Harajuku

Try their famous yuzu-flavoured ramen, a refreshing twist on classic Japanese noodle soup.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Nezu Museum & its Shrine Garden

Visit the museum and its tranquil Japanese garden with a small shrine space, open afternoons (10am–5:00pm).
JPY1100, 2h0m

5:00pm

Explore Cat Street

Browse quirky boutiques and relaxed cafés along the famous street linking Harajuku and Shibuya.
Free entry, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka

Enjoy conveyor-belt sushi with fresh selections and fun ordering technology for an affordable Tokyo food experience.
JPY2000, 1h30m

Day 4: Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park

Tokyo, Japan on June 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Boulangerie Pâtisserie Viron

Delight in French-inspired pastries and breads in a stylish bakery near Shibuya.
JPY900, 0h45m

9:30am

Return to Meiji Shrine

Catch a morning ceremony or stroll the beautiful grounds again, open from sunrise to sunset.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Afuri Ebisu

Savour light and aromatic yuzu ramen variations near Ebisu station, open from 11am to 10pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Yoyogi Park

Relax and enjoy the expansive greenery and atmosphere of Yoyogi Park adjacent to Meiji Shrine.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Nezu Shrine Visit

Reminisce on a visit to this colourful shrine with azaleas, ideal for afternoon light photos.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dine in the iconic restaurant that inspired Kill Bill’s famous scene, offering traditional Japanese cuisine.
JPY3500, 1h30m

Day 5: Western Tokyo Shrines

Tokyo, Japan on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at City Bakery Daikanyama

Start with hearty breads and coffee in a charming neighbourhood bakery in western Tokyo.
JPY850, 0h45m

9:00am

Setagaya Shrine

Visit an intimate shrine known locally for its peaceful charm, located in a green part of Tokyo.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Todori Shrine

Explore another beautiful lesser-known shrine nearby with traditional architecture and serene surroundings.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Umenohana Daikanyama

Enjoy traditional shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) in a peaceful setting near your shrine visits.
JPY3000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Futako-tamagawa Shrine

Visit a shrine on the banks of the Tama River with scenic walking trails nearby.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Todoroki Valley

Take a peaceful walk through this hidden natural valley with shrines and a river, great for a relaxed afternoon.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Toriyoshi Shoten

Finish with expertly grilled yakitori skewers and a lively atmosphere, open until late.
JPY2800, 1h30m

Day 6: Tokyo's Lesser-Known Shrines

Tokyo, Japan on July 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bread, Espresso &

Enjoy a speciality coffee and fresh pastries in an intimate café in Omotesando.
JPY900, 0h45m

9:30am

Zoshigaya Kishimojin Shrine

Visit this unique shrine that blends Shinto and Buddhist elements, quiet and historical.
Free, 1h0m

10:45am

Kishimojin Flea Market

If timing aligns, explore the local flea market around the shrine, offering antiques and crafts.
Free entry, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten

Relish a premium tonkatsu with tender pork and crispy coating, a Tokyo favourite.
JPY3000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Kagurazaka Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple

Explore this historic temple settled in the charming Kagurazaka district with good cafés around.
Free, 1h30m

3:15pm

Visit Akagi Shrine

Marvel at this beautifully renovated modern shrine designed by a famous architect, open till sunset.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Coffee break at Café 109

Relax in this quiet café in Kagurazaka to freshen up before dinner.
JPY700, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kagurazaka Ishikawa

Experience refined Kaiseki cuisine, a multi-course Japanese dinner experience in this traditional neighbourhood.
JPY8000, 2h0m

Day 7: Sumida & Ryogoku Shrine Tour

Tokyo, Japan on July 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Sumida Coffee Stand

Fuel up with excellent coffee and light bites near Ryogoku, the sumo district.
JPY800, 0h45m

9:30am

Ryogoku Shrine

Visit this shrine near the sumo stadium, steeped in local tradition and lively atmosphere.
Free, 1h0m

10:45am

Kanda Shrine

Explore this important shrine dedicated to prosperity and guardian of Tokyo merchants, open 9am-4:30pm.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Chanko Tomoegata

Enjoy authentic chanko nabe, the hearty hot pot eaten by sumo wrestlers, open lunchtime until 2pm.
JPY2500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Edo-Tokyo Museum

Explore Tokyo’s history and culture in this engaging museum near Ryogoku, open 9:30am–5:30pm.
JPY600, 2h0m

4:00pm

Sumida Hokusai Museum

Discover works of the famous ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai in this modern gallery, open till 5pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sometaro Okonomiyaki

Try classic Osaka-style okonomiyaki, a delicious Japanese savoury pancake, open until 9:30pm.
JPY1800, 1h30m

Day 8: Final Temple Visits

Tokyo, Japan on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Yanaka Coffee

Enjoy coffee and Japanese baked goods in the historic district of Yanaka.
JPY700, 0h45m

9:00am

Yanaka Cemetery & Tennoji Temple

Explore a serene cemetery with historical significance and the connected Tennoji Temple.
Free, 1h30m

10:45am

Nezu Shrine for last visit

Revisit or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of one of Tokyo’s most beautiful shrines before departure.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Yanaka Beer Hall

Enjoy local craft beer and hearty meals with a view of traditional Tokyo streets.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Shopping Nakamise Street Last Minute

Pick up souvenirs and snacks from Nakamise shopping street near Senso-ji temple before departure.
Free entry, 1h0m