11-Day Comprehensive Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka Must-Sees with Budget Guide

Day 1: Arrival and Tokyo Intro

Tokyo, Japan on November 10, 2025

9:00am

Arrival at Narita International Airport

Land in Tokyo and proceed through customs; take the Narita Express train to central Tokyo for convenience and speed.
JPY3000, 1h0m

11:00am

Check-in at mid-range hotel (Shinjuku area recommended)

Settle into accommodation to relax before exploring.
JPY15000 per night (double room), 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi or seafood bowls at vibrant market stalls, open from 9am to 3pm.
JPY2500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple and vibrant Nakamise shopping street, open 6am-5pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Stroll around Ueno Park and Ameya-Yokocho Market

Visit a scenic park and a lively market street for local treats and souvenirs.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku

Experience traditional Yakitori and casual Japanese dining in an atmospheric alley.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Tokyo Highlights

Tokyo, Japan on November 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café in Shibuya

Start your day with a Japanese-style breakfast or Western options nearby.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Explore Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Visit the serene shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji, set in a large forested park, open 6am-4:30pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk around Harajuku Takeshita Street

Experience Tokyo’s quirky youth fashion hub with many unique shops and cafés.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Uobei Sushi Shibuya

Enjoy affordable and fun conveyor belt sushi experience, open 11am-11pm.
JPY2000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue

Witness the world-famous bustling crosswalk and the loyal dog statue nearby.
Free, 30m

3:00pm

Shop at Shibuya Scramble Square and Shibuya Sky

Access shopping malls and rooftop observatory for sweeping views of Tokyo, open 10am-9pm.
Observatory JPY2000, 2h

6:00pm

Visit Roppongi Hills for dinner and nightlife

Famous complex with upscale dining options and illuminated views of Tokyo Tower.
Dinner approx. JPY4000, 2h
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Day 3: Tokyo Cultural Day

Tokyo, Japan on November 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely hotel or nearby café breakfast to prepare for a long day.
JPY1200, 1h

9:00am

Visit Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park

Explore Japan's largest museum with rich historical artifacts, open 9:30am-5pm (closed Monday).
JPY1000, 2h

11:30am

Explore Akihabara Electric Town

Delve into otaku culture with electronics shops, anime stores, and themed cafés.
Free to browse, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at a maid café or themed café

Experience quirky themed dining unique to Akihabara.
JPY2500, 1h

3:00pm

Visit teamLab Planets Tokyo

Immerse in stunning digital art exhibitions, open 10am-7pm (last admission 6pm).
JPY3200, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Enjoy dinner in the iconic setting that inspired Kill Bill, known for yakitori and Japanese cuisine.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Tokyo to Kyoto

Tokyo to Kyoto, Japan on November 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up before travel with a hotel breakfast or nearby café.
JPY1200, 1h

8:00am

Take Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto

Experience Japan's high-speed train covered by JR Pass (approx. 2h15m).
JPY14000, 2h15m

11:00am

Check-in at mid-range hotel in Kyoto city center

Settle into your accommodation after the journey.
JPY13000 per night (double room), 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample Kyoto's traditional foods and snacks at the lively market open 9am-6pm.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Historic UNESCO World Heritage temple with panoramic views, open 6am-6pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

4:00pm

Stroll through Higashiyama District

Explore preserved traditional streets with craft shops and cafés.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Have dinner in a historic alley known for Kyoto-style dining and ambiance.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 5: Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on November 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Enjoy a light morning meal to start a temple-focused day.
JPY1200, 1h

9:00am

Explore Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Walk through iconic thousands of red torii gates, open 24 hours with free entry.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch near Fushimi Inari

Try local soba or udon noodles in nearby restaurants.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

Admire sprawling gardens and autumn colors of this Zen temple, open 9am-4:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Gion district

Walk streets known for geishas and traditional tea houses.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy Kyoto kaiseki cuisine in an atmospheric setting.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Arashiyama and Cultural Spots

Kyoto, Japan on November 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or café

Begin the day with a hearty meal for an active day ahead.
JPY1200, 1h

9:00am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Stroll through iconic tranquil bamboo paths, open 24 hours.
Free, 1h

10:00am

Explore Tenryu-ji Temple and gardens

World Heritage temple with beautiful landscaped gardens open 8:30am-5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shoraian tofu restaurant

Enjoy experience dining specializing in tofu cuisine with garden views.
JPY3500, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Monkey Park Iwatayama

See wild macaques and enjoy city views, open 9am-4:30pm.
JPY550, 2h

5:00pm

Return to hotel and relax

Rest before dinner after an active day.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Station Ramen Street

Try a variety of ramen styles in a convenient and popular spot.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 7: Day Trip to Nara

Kyoto to Nara, Japan on November 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for day trip outside Kyoto.
JPY1200, 1h

9:00am

Train to Nara (approx 45min)

Short train ride to famous historical city Nara.
JPY710 one way, 45m

10:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the massive Great Buddha statue in a UNESCO site, open 7:30am-5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at local Nara restaurant

Sample regional dishes such as kakinoha sushi or Nara ramen.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Nara Park and feed the famous deer

Enjoy expansive park known for free-roaming deer that are friendly and approachable.
JPY300 deer crackers, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Historic shrine with thousands of stone and bronze lanterns, open 6am-6pm.
JPY500, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Kyoto by train

End day trip and return to hotel in Kyoto.
JPY710, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Izakaya near hotel

Relax in a traditional Japanese pub for small plates and drinks.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Kyoto to Osaka

Kyoto to Osaka, Japan on November 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for travel day and exploration in Osaka.
JPY1200, 1h

9:00am

Train from Kyoto to Osaka (Shin-Osaka or Namba)

Around 30-45 minutes by JR or private train to central Osaka.
JPY560, 45m

10:00am

Check-in at mid-range hotel in Namba or Umeda

Settle into accommodation in Osaka’s busy entertainment districts.
JPY14000 per night (double room), 30m

11:00am

Visit Osaka Castle

Tour iconic historic landmark with museum and lovely grounds, open 9am-5pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Taste famous Osaka street foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in lively district.
JPY2500, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop in Osaka’s premier shopping street with wide range of shops and boutiques.
Free to browse, 1h30m

5:00pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory

Panoramic skyline views from rooftop, open 10am-10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma in Shinsekai

Try Osaka’s specialty deep-fried skewers in a lively local atmosphere.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 9: Osaka Day of Fun

Osaka, Japan on November 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a fun-filled day ahead.
JPY1200, 1h

9:00am

Visit Universal Studios Japan

Full day at popular theme park featuring Harry Potter, Minions, and other attractions, open 8:30am-9pm.
JPY8800, 8h

6:00pm

Return to hotel and rest

Relax after a full day of entertainment.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at local ramen shop near hotel

Casual meal with Osaka style ramen to end day.
JPY1500, 1h
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Day 10: Osaka to Tokyo

Osaka to Tokyo, Japan on November 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Food up before travel back to Tokyo for last night.
JPY1200, 1h

9:00am

Shinkansen from Osaka to Tokyo

Travel back to Tokyo in around 2h30m via bullet train.
JPY14000, 2h30m

12:00pm

Check-in at Tokyo hotel near airport or city center

Relax and prepare for last evening in Japan.
JPY15000, 30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Tokyo Station Ramen Street

Sample different regional ramen varieties under one roof, open 11am-10pm.
JPY2000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Imperial Palace East Gardens

Enjoy scenic gardens around the historic Imperial Palace site, open 9am-4:30pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Explore Ginza shopping district

High-end shopping and cafes for final souvenirs and relaxation.
Free to browse, 1h30m

7:00pm

Farewell dinner at Sushi Dai or similar

Final sushi experience at a renowned Tokyo sushi spot.
JPY5000, 1h30m
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Day 11: Departure

Tokyo, Japan on November 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast before airport transfer.
JPY1200, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Narita International Airport by Narita Express

Convenient train from city center to airport for return flight.
JPY3000, 1h

10:00am

Departure flight to Kuala Lumpur

Fly back home with wonderful memories from Japan.
Included in flight price, 6h0m
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