5-Day Japan Journey: From Tokyo to Osaka Highlights

Day 1: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi or traditional Japanese breakfast dishes in this vibrant market area, open early from 5:00am to 2:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple located in Asakusa, a significant cultural and historical site open from 6:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Stroll through Ueno Park and Zoo

Relax in this spacious public park packed with museums and a zoo, open from 9:30am to 5:00pm.
Park is free, Zoo JPY600, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Isetan Shinjuku Food Hall

Relish diverse Japanese bento boxes and delicacies in this famous food hall open daily until 8:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Harajuku and Meiji Shrine

Visit the trendy Harajuku district and serene Meiji Shrine, which is open from sunrise to sunset (approx. 5:00am to 6:00pm).
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Tokyo Tower visit

Enjoy stunning panoramic views from Tokyo Tower, open until 11:00pm with last admission at 10:30pm.
JPY1200, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Experience traditional Japanese cuisine in the iconic restaurant that inspired the Kill Bill movie scene, open till 12:00am.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Relax in Hakone

Hakone, Japan on June 2, 2025

7:30am

Travel from Tokyo to Hakone

Take the Odakyu Romancecar train for approximately 1.5 hours to Hakone-Yumoto station, starting early to maximise sightseeing time.
JPY2000, 1h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at Bakery & Table Hakone

Enjoy freshly baked pastries with mountain views, open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

10:30am

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore the expansive sculpture park with works by Picasso and Henry Moore, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1600, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Tamura Ginkatsutei

Taste the famous tofu cutlet (katsudon) specialty, popular in Hakone, open till 4:00pm.
JPY1800, 1h0m

2:00pm

Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise

Relax on a pirate ship-themed boat cruise with views of Mt Fuji, operating from 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

3:30pm

Take the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani Valley

Ride cable cars for volcanic valley views and black eggs, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1300, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner and Onsen at Gora Kadan

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner followed by a relaxing onsen experience at this luxury ryokan (booking recommended).
JPY15000, 2h0m
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Day 3: Discover Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Hakone to Kyoto

Take the Shinkansen bullet train from Odawara to Kyoto in about 2 hours, start early to maximise the day.
JPY8000, 2h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Enjoy premium coffee and light pastries near Kiyomizudera, open from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1000, 0h45m

11:15am

Visit Kiyomizudera Temple

Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage site with panoramic Kyoto views, open from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore Kyoto’s food market with various street food tastes and traditional snacks, open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through the iconic thousands of red torii gates, open 24 hours and free entrance.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Explore Gion District

Stroll through the famous geisha district with historic streets and teahouses, best explored late afternoon to early evening.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine in one of the many traditional restaurants offering kaiseki or yakitori options along the atmospheric Pontocho alley.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on June 4, 2025

8:30am

Travel from Kyoto to Nara

Take the JR Nara line or Kintetsu Line for approximately 45 minutes to Nara.
JPY710, 0h45m

9:15am

Breakfast at Nakatanidou

Try famous freshly made mochi in a traditional confectionery open around 9:00am till selling out.
JPY600, 0h30m

10:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the Great Buddha statue and ancient temple complex, open from 7:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:45am

Explore Nara Park

Walk among freely roaming deer and enjoy scenic park areas, open all day with free access.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Enjoy fresh sushi specialising in tuna dishes, open from 11:30am to 2:30pm.
JPY2500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Famous for its lantern-lit pathways, this shrine is open from 6:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Take the train back to Kyoto to rest or explore more evening sights at your leisure.
JPY710, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

A refined dining experience featuring Kyoto-style cuisine in a traditional setting, reservation recommended.
JPY6000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Discover Osaka

Osaka, Japan on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Kyoto to Osaka

Short 15-minute train ride via JR Special Rapid Service to Osaka Station.
JPY560, 0h15m

8:30am

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Sample fresh seafood and street food in this lively market open from 9:00am but some vendors open earlier.
JPY1500, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore one of Japan's most famous landmarks and museums inside, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:15am

Explore Umeda Sky Building

Enjoy breathtaking views from the Floating Garden Observatory, open from 9:30am to 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Dotonbori District

Indulge in street food favourites like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in the vibrant entertainment district.
JPY2000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop and stroll through Osaka’s longest shopping street with a variety of shops open usually 10:00am to 9:00pm.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Spa World

Unwind with a variety of themed baths, open from 10:00am to 8:45am next day (24-hour area included).
JPY1200, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Mizuno Okonomiyaki

Taste authentic Osaka-style okonomiyaki at this popular spot in Dotonbori, open till 10:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h0m
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