7-Day Summer Adventure in Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto Solo Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Tokyo Highlights

Tokyo, Japan on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi or tamago-yaki at one of the many vendors or small restaurants – a lively market atmosphere that opens early, perfect for breakfast.
JPY1500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Tokyo’s oldest temple located in Asakusa, famous for its vibrant gate, Nakamise shopping street, and spiritual ambiance.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Akihabara

Dive into the world of anime, manga, electronics, and otaku culture in this lively district filled with themed cafes and tech shops.
Free to explore, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kaitenzushi (Conveyor Belt Sushi)

Enjoy a casual lunch sampling various sushi plates passing by on the conveyor, located near Akihabara, open throughout lunch hours.
JPY2000, 1h

2:30pm

Meiji Shrine Visit

Nestled in a peaceful forested area near Harajuku, this Shinto shrine offers a tranquil escape and insights into Japanese culture.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Stroll Takeshita Street

Famous for its colorful street fashion, boutiques, and crepe stands – perfect for solo travelers who enjoy vibrant youth culture scenes.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

A well-known ramen chain offering a unique solo dining experience focused on flavorful tonkotsu ramen – open till late evening.
JPY1000, 1h
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Day 2: Nature and Hot Springs

Hakone, Japan on July 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a traditional Japanese or western breakfast to prepare for a day of exploration.
Included in hotel, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Hakone by Romancecar train

Take the scenic Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto, approximately 1.5 hours.
JPY2370, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum

An outdoor sculpture park blending art with nature, open daily from 9am to 5pm.
JPY1600, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Gora Brewery & Grill

Try local craft beer with seasonal Japanese dishes in a relaxed atmosphere near the museum.
JPY2500, 1h

2:30pm

Ride Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani Valley

Explore the volcanic valley with hot springs and try the famous black eggs, open from 9am to 5pm.
JPY2100 round trip, 2h

5:00pm

Relax in an Onsen

Unwind in a traditional hot spring bath; recommend Tenzan Onsen which is open until early evening.
JPY1300, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Tamura Ginkatsutei

Specializes in tofu dishes and deep-fried pork cutlet, offering a satisfying traditional meal.
JPY3000, 1h
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Day 3: Cultural Kanazawa

Kanazawa, Japan on July 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at accommodation

Have a hearty breakfast before an early Shinkansen and local train journey to Kanazawa.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Kanazawa via Shinkansen and local lines

A longer journey (approx. 3.5 hours) but scenic through Japan’s rural landscapes.
JPY13500, 3h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Omicho Market

Kanazawa’s bustling market for fresh seafood bowls and local delicacies.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Kenroku-en Garden Visit

One of Japan’s top three gardens, open from 7am to 6pm in summer, showcasing stunning seasonal beauty.
JPY320, 1h30m

3:15pm

Visit Kanazawa Castle

Sometimes hosting exhibitions, explore the historic castle grounds open until 5pm.
JPY370, 1h

4:30pm

Explore Nagamachi Samurai District

Walk through historic samurai residences and narrow lanes reflecting old Kanazawa society.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Hashiba

A cozy izakaya known for seasonal Kanazawa specialties and fresh seafood.
JPY3000, 1h
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Day 4: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on July 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ryokan or hotel

Fill up with traditional Japanese breakfast for energy before travelling to Kyoto.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train to Kyoto via Thunderbolt Limited Express

Journey of about 2.5 hours by train heading south-east along the coast.
JPY7000, 2h30m

11:30am

Check in and quick refresh

Drop luggage and rest briefly before exploring Kyoto’s historic sites.
Hotel dependent, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Musoshin

Enjoy Kyoto-style ramen in a relaxed casual dining environment, serving from 11am to 9pm.
JPY1000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Famous for its thousands of red torii gates along mountain trails – open 24 hours, easily accessible by train.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Gion District

Historic geisha district with traditional wooden machiya houses and charming streets perfect for evening strolls.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ganko Sushi Gion

Enjoy fresh and affordable sushi in a friendly setting close to Gion, open until 10pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 5: Kyoto Temples and Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Traditional Kyoto-style coffee shop serving breakfast and freshly brewed Japanese coffee.
JPY1200, 1h

9:15am

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Iconic Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, open from 9am to 5pm, not to be missed.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:00am

Ryoan-ji Temple

Famous for its rock garden, this temple is open from 8am to 5pm and provides a peaceful experience.
JPY500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Yudofu Sagano

Specialty tofu cuisine near Tenryu-ji garden offering a light, traditional meal reflecting Buddhist vegetarianism.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple

Stroll through stunning bamboo forest paths and visit the UNESCO garden at Tenryu-ji, both open until 5pm.
JPY500 (Tenryu-ji), 2h

5:00pm

Explore Togetsukyo Bridge area

Relax by the riverbanks and enjoy cafes or boat rides in early evening.
Free to explore, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Known for soba noodles with beautiful river views; open for dinner starting 5pm.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 6: Philosopher’s Path & Temples

Kyoto, Japan on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Bibliotic Hello!

Trendy café with a relaxed atmosphere serving coffee and pastries to start your day.
JPY1200, 1h

9:00am

Walk Philosopher’s Path

A scenic 2km stone path along a canal lined with cherry trees and small temples, perfect for contemplation.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Visit Nanzen-ji Temple

Large Zen temple complex known for its impressive gate and beautiful gardens, open 8:40am to 5pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Famous for udon noodles with fresh vegetable toppings near the Kodai-ji temple, open for lunch midday.
JPY1800, 1h

2:00pm

Kodai-ji Temple

Known for its tranquil bamboo garden and evening light-ups (summer times), open 9am to 5pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

4:00pm

Tea Ceremony Experience

Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony near Gion, booking required, sessions typically 1-1.5 hours.
JPY3000, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Choose from numerous intimate restaurants along the atmospheric riverside alley offering local Kaiseki or sushi.
JPY3500+, 1h30m
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Day 7: Final Kyoto & Departure

Kyoto, Japan on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as a last taste of Kyoto cuisine.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Nishiki Market

Explore Kyoto’s ‘Kitchen’ market full of local foods, souvenirs, and unique snacks open starting around 9am.
Free to browse, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace Park

Wander the expansive gardens around the former imperial residence, open from 9am to 5pm.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Isshisoden Nakamura

Enjoy luxurious Kaiseki-style lunch for a memorable final meal, reservations advised.
JPY6000+, 1h30m

2:30pm

Prepare for departure

Return to hotel to collect luggage and head to Kansai or Osaka airport via train or limousine bus.
Varies, 2h+
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