10-Day Ultimate Japan Travel Itinerary: Tokyo to Kyoto and Beyond

Day 1: Arrival and Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on May 7, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market, a bustling place known for its fresh seafood and local snacks.
JPY1500, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple in Asakusa, famous for the Kaminarimon gate and its vibrant shopping street, Nakamise-dori.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Enjoy delicious sukiyaki or shabu-shabu at this renowned restaurant near Senso-ji, offering premium wagyu beef.
JPY3500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Akihabara Electric Town

Dive into Tokyo’s world-famous electronics and otaku culture district. Visit specialty shops, anime stores, and themed cafes.
Free to explore, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen Shibuya

Savor a bowl of rich tonkotsu ramen at Ichiran, one of Tokyo's most famous ramen chains offering personalized spice levels.
JPY1200, 1h0m
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Day 2: Modern Tokyo and Cultural Sights

Tokyo, Japan on May 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Sarabeth's Lumine Shinjuku

Enjoy a Western-style breakfast at this popular café known for its fluffy pancakes and fresh pastries.
JPY1800, 1h0m

10:00am

Meiji Shrine Visit

Visit the peaceful Meiji Shrine set in a large forested park, a tranquil oasis amidst Tokyo’s bustling cityscape.
Free, 1h0m

11:30am

Stroll Takeshita Street

Experience Tokyo youth culture and fashion at the vibrant and colorful street in Harajuku.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Afuri Ramen Ebisu

Taste their famous yuzu shio ramen, a light and citrus-flavored noodle soup highly rated by locals and tourists alike.
JPY1300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit teamLab Planets Tokyo

Immerse yourself in a unique digital art museum featuring interactive light and sound installations (open 10am-7pm).
JPY3200, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dine in the restaurant that inspired the famous fight scene in Kill Bill, featuring traditional Japanese izakaya cuisine.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or nearby café

Have a quick breakfast before heading to Nikko by train (about 2 hours). Choose something light but energizing.
JPY1000, 0h45m

9:00am

Travel Tokyo to Nikko

Take the JR or Tobu train to Nikko to explore the UNESCO World Heritage shrines and natural beauty.
JPY2700 (one way), 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Marvel at the ornate carvings and intricate details of this lavish shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu.
JPY1300, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Try local specialties such as yuba (tofu skin) and other traditional dishes in this cozy and well-rated spot.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk around Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls

Enjoy scenic beauty and waterfall views, ideal for relaxing and photo opportunities.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Take the train back to Tokyo in the evening and rest at your hotel.
JPY2700, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Uobei Shibuya

Experience fun conveyor belt sushi with affordable plates and quick service in Shibuya.
JPY2000, 1h0m
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Day 4: Tokyo to Hakone

Tokyo to Hakone, Japan on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before heading out on your journey to Hakone, known for hot springs and Mt. Fuji views.
Included in hotel stay, 0h45m

9:00am

Travel from Tokyo to Hakone

Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station, which takes around 1.5 hours.
JPY2400, 1h30m

11:00am

Hakone Open Air Museum

Explore the expansive outdoor sculpture park blending art and nature, open daily 9am-5pm.
JPY1600, 2h0m

1:15pm

Lunch at Café Komon

Dine at this cozy spot in the museum, famous for unique sandwiches and Japanese desserts.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Hakone Ropeway and Owakudani Valley

Take the ropeway to see volcanic sulfur vents and try black eggs boiled in hot springs, open 9am-5pm.
JPY2100 round trip, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check into a Ryokan with Onsen

Experience a traditional Japanese inn with hot spring baths to relax after a day of sightseeing.
JPY15000 per night, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Ryokan

Enjoy a kaiseki multi-course dinner featuring seasonal and local ingredients, prepared beautifully and served in your ryokan.
Included with stay, 1h30m
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Day 5: Hakone to Kyoto

Hakone to Kyoto, Japan on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Have a traditional Japanese breakfast at your ryokan before departing Hakone.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Travel from Hakone to Kyoto

Return to Odawara Station and take the Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto, travel time approximately 2 hours.
JPY13000, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Musashi Sushi Kyoto

Enjoy a fun and affordable conveyor belt sushi experience near Kyoto Station.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through the iconic thousands of red torii gates on Mount Inari, open 24/7 and free to enter.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Explore Gion District

Stroll through Kyoto’s famous geisha district, known for traditional wooden machiya houses and tea houses.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa

Traditional Kyoto cuisine with specialties like yudofu and seasonal delicacies in an intimate setting.
JPY4500, 1h30m
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Day 6: Kyoto Temples Tour

Kyoto, Japan on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a classic Kyoto coffeehouse experience with strong brews and fresh pastries.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the stunning gold-leaf covered temple and its reflective pond, open 9am-5pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

11:00am

Ryoan-ji Temple

See the famous rock garden, a masterpiece of Zen landscaping, near Kinkaku-ji.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Okutan Kiyomizu

Enjoy traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine (shojin ryori) near Kiyomizu Temple.
JPY3000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit this iconic wooden temple with panoramic city views, open 6am-6pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

4:00pm

Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka Streets Walk

Explore these traditional streets lined with pottery shops, cafes, and souvenir stores.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Find a charming restaurant in this historic alley along the Kamo River for authentic Kyoto dishes.
JPY4500, 1h30m
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Day 7: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on May 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kyoto station café

Grab a quick coffee and pastry near Kyoto station before your day trip.
JPY800, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel from Kyoto to Nara

Take the JR Nara line to Nara, about 45 minutes travel time.
JPY710, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the Great Buddha Hall housing one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in Japan, open 7:30am-5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

10:45am

Explore Nara Park

Feed and interact with freely roaming deer and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kura Nara

A cozy restaurant specializing in local Nara delicacies including kakinoha sushi.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Walk among hundreds of lanterns at this historic and tranquil shrine, open 6am-6pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Take the afternoon train back to Kyoto and rest.
JPY710, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Gogyo

Try the unique burnt miso ramen in a stylish setting for a memorable dinner.
JPY1800, 1h0m
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Day 8: Kyoto to Osaka

Kyoto to Osaka, Japan on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Enjoy a light Japanese or Western breakfast before traveling to Osaka.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Travel to Osaka

Catch a quick JR train from Kyoto to Osaka, about 15-30 minutes journey.
JPY560, 0h30m

10:30am

Visit Osaka Castle

Tour the famous historic castle with museum exhibits and enjoy panoramic city views, open 9am-5pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Experience the lively atmosphere of Dotonbori and try local street foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop and stroll along Osaka’s premier shopping destination featuring boutiques and souvenir shops.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Ascend to the Floating Garden Observatory for spectacular sunset views over Osaka, open 10am-10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Enjoy Osaka’s specialty Kushikatsu (fried skewers) in this iconic and lively eatery.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 9: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a hearty breakfast to fuel a full day of excitement at Universal Studios Japan.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Universal Studios Japan Park

Spend the whole day enjoying thrilling rides, shows, and themed zones such as Wizarding World of Harry Potter, open 9am-9pm.
JPY8800, 10h0m

6:30pm

Dinner inside Universal City

Eat at Mel's Drive-In or Studio Stars Restaurant for burgers and casual dining after a long day at the park.
JPY2000, 1h0m

8:30pm

Return to hotel

Travel back from Universal Studios to your Osaka hotel for rest.
JPY500, 0h30m
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Day 10: Osaka Departure

Osaka, Japan on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Enjoy your last breakfast in Japan savoring local flavors or international choices.
JPY1000, 1h0m

10:00am

Last-minute shopping in Namba

Grab souvenirs and gifts from the bustling Namba area before heading to the airport.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Travel to Kansai International Airport

Take the train or airport limousine bus to Kansai International Airport for your departure flight.
JPY1500, 1h0m
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