11-Day Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka Japan Itinerary: Must-Visit Attractions, Food, and Budget Planning

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival and Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on November 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your trip with fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast items at the bustling Tsukiji Outer Market, open from early morning until 2:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa

Explore the iconic oldest temple in Tokyo, surrounded by charming streets and traditional shops. It's free and open all day.
JPY0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Nakamise Street stalls

Enjoy quick bites like freshly made ningyo-yaki (red bean cakes) and tempura from street vendors along Nakamise Street.
JPY1000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Ueno Park and Museums

Visit Ueno Park's open spaces and the Tokyo National Museum (open 9:30am-5pm, closed Mondays) to see Japanese art and history.
JPY1000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Evening walk in Akihabara

Experience electric town’s anime shops, electronic gadgets, and themed cafes in the lively evening atmosphere.
JPY0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner in Akihabara - Kanda Matsuya

Try classic soba noodles at Kanda Matsuya, a beloved mid-range restaurant open until 10pm.
JPY1800, 1h0m

Day 2: Tokyo Landmarks

Tokyo, Japan on November 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sarabeth's Lumine Lumine Shinjuku

Enjoy western-style breakfast with pancakes or eggs Benedict, open from 8am.
JPY2000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Meiji Shrine

A peaceful Shinto shrine surrounded by forest in Harajuku, open from sunrise to sunset.
JPY0, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore Takeshita Street

Famous for colorful fashion shops and crepe stands, this street captures Tokyo youth culture.
JPY1000, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Afuri Ramen Harajuku

Taste yuzu-flavored ramen, a unique and refreshing take on the classic dish, open until 10pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue

Experience the world-famous scramble crossing and visit the loyal dog statue nearby.
JPY0, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit teamLab Planets or Borderless Digital Art Museum

Immerse in stunning digital art installations; the museums open from 10am to 7pm. Tickets approx JPY3200.
JPY3200, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Famous for inspiring the Kill Bill movie fight scene and serving traditional izakaya fare, open until midnight.
JPY3000, 1h30m

Day 3: Tokyo Museums and Shopping

Tokyo, Japan on November 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Dean & Deluca Marunouchi

Start with quality coffee and pastries in a stylish setting, opens at 8am.
JPY1500, 1h0m

9:30am

Tokyo Skytree Visit

Enjoy panoramic city views from the tallest tower in Japan, open 8am-10pm, ticket approx JPY2100.
JPY2100, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Solamachi Mall

Choose from many eateries inside the mall at the base of Skytree, serving Japanese and international dishes.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Edo-Tokyo Museum

Interactive museum that tells Tokyo’s history from Edo era to modern times, open 9:30am-5:30pm, closed Mondays.
JPY600, 2h0m

4:00pm

Explore Ginza Shopping District

High-end shopping and flagship stores of top brands, ideal for strolling and window shopping.
JPY0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Tempura Kondo Ginza

Experience premium tempura dishes at this Michelin-starred restaurant, reservation recommended.
JPY6000, 1h30m

Day 4: Day Trip to Nikko or Kamakura

Tokyo, Japan on November 4, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel or local cafe

Light breakfast to fuel the day ahead.
JPY1000, 0h45m

8:00am

Train to Nikko (2 hours) or Kamakura (1 hour)

Nikko offers beautiful shrines including Toshogu Shrine; Kamakura offers Great Buddha and beachside temples.
JPY2000 (round trip), 2h0m for Nikko or 1h0m for Kamakura

10:00am

Exploration of local shrines and nature

Spend the day walking through stunning nature and historic temples.
JPY1000, 5h0m

3:00pm

Lunch at local specialty restaurant

Try yuba (tofu skin) dishes in Nikko or seafood specialties in Kamakura.
JPY2000, 1h0m

6:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Relax on the train back for dinner in the city or hotel rest.
Included in train fare, 2h0m or 1h0m

Day 5: Final Day in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on November 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bill's Odaiba

Enjoy scenic views overlooking Tokyo Bay with western and Japanese fusion cuisine.
JPY2200, 1h0m

9:30am

TeamLab Planets revisit or Odaiba shopping

Additional chance to explore interactive digital art or shop in popular malls like DiverCity Tokyo.
JPY3200, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Katsusen Odaiba

Enjoy award-winning tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) in a cozy setting.
JPY1800, 1h0m

1:30pm

Travel to Kyoto via Shinkansen (about 2.5 hours)

Take the bullet train from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station, enjoy scenic countryside views.
JPY14000 one way, 2h30m

4:30pm

Check-in hotel in Kyoto

Settle in at your mid-range hotel in central Kyoto for easy access to main attractions.
JPY9000 per night, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Explore one of Kyoto’s atmospheric historic dining alleys offering diverse cuisine options.
JPY3000, 1h30m

Day 6: Historic Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on November 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee Kyoto

Classic Japanese coffeehouse with light pastries, open from 7am.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Famous for thousands of vermillion torii gates, open all day and free entrance.
JPY0, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Iconic hilltop temple with city views and lovely fall colors, open 6am-6pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Okutan Kiyomizu

Traditional tofu cuisine near Kiyomizu-dera offers a peaceful dining experience.
JPY2500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk through Higashiyama District

Historic streets lined with shops and tea houses, a quintessential Kyoto experience.
JPY0, 1h30m

4:30pm

Visit Gion and Yasaka Shrine

Explore the famous geisha district and Yasaka Shrine, open all day and free entry.
JPY0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy seasonal kaiseki-style dishes in a traditional setting, reservations recommended.
JPY4000, 1h30m

Day 7: Kyoto Culture & Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on November 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arabica Coffee Kyoto

Renowned for outstanding coffee in a minimalist setting, opens at 8am.
JPY1000, 45m

9:00am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through towering bamboo stalks in a serene forest, open all day and free entry.
JPY0, 1h30m

10:45am

Explore Tenryu-ji Temple and Gardens

Zen temple with a beautiful garden, open 8:30am-5:30pm; entry fee applies.
JPY500, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Enjoy shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) inside Tenryu-ji Temple grounds.
JPY3000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Nijo Castle

Historic castle with ornate interiors and gardens, open 8:45am-5pm, last entry 4pm.
JPY1000, 2h0m

4:30pm

Stroll around Kyoto Imperial Palace Park

Public park area surrounding the former imperial palace, peaceful and open all day free.
JPY0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Gogyo Ramen

Try the unique burnt miso ramen, open until 11pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

Day 8: Day Trip to Nara

Kyoto, Japan on November 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast before your trip to Nara.
Included with hotel, 0h45m

8:30am

Train to Nara (45 minutes)

Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to visit Japan’s historic first capital city.
JPY710 one-way, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park

See the giant Buddha statue and friendly roaming deer in the park, open 7:30am-5:30pm.
JPY600, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Famous for freshly pounded mochi rice cakes, a quick and delicious snack.
JPY1000, 0h45m

1:00pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Historic Shinto shrine famous for lantern-lined paths, open 6am-6pm, entry fee for inner area.
JPY500, 1h30m

3:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Relax on your way back to Kyoto by train for an evening meal.
JPY710, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Menbakaichidai Fire Ramen Kyoto

Experience fiery ramen with a dramatic flaming broth pouring ceremony, open till 10pm.
JPY1800, 1h0m

Day 9: Travel to Osaka & Explore

Osaka, Japan on November 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Kyoto

Start the day with a relaxed breakfast before heading to Osaka.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Train to Osaka via JR Shinkansen (approx 15 minutes)

Quick and comfortable ride from Kyoto to Osaka’s city center.
JPY1500, 0h15m

10:00am

Check-in Osaka Hotel

Drop off luggage at mid-range Osaka hotel near Namba or Umeda.
JPY9000 per night, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic castle and its museum, open 9am-5pm, last entry 4:30pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Sample fresh seafood and local street food including takoyaki and grilled scallops.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Bustling shopping street with fashion boutiques and souvenirs.
JPY0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit Dotonbori for vibrant nightlife

Experience neon lights, the Glico Man sign, and street food stalls open well into the night.
JPY0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Dotonbori Mizuno

Famous for Osaka style okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), a must-try local specialty.
JPY1800, 1h0m

Day 10: Osaka City Highlights

Osaka, Japan on November 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mel Coffee Roasters

Specialty coffee shop serving quality coffee and light breakfast items, opens at 8am.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden

Iconic observation deck offering great city views, open 10am-10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Osaka Museum of History

Insightful museum covering Osaka’s development, open 9:30am-5pm, last entry 4:30pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Tsurutontan Udon Noodle Brasserie

Stylish udon noodle restaurant serving large portions and innovative udon dishes.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

One of Japan’s oldest shrines with unique architecture, open all day and free entry.
JPY0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Shopping and leisure time at Namba Parks

Mall with rooftop gardens, ideal for shopping and relaxing before dinner.
JPY0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai

Try kushikatsu, deep-fried skewered meat and veggies, a beloved Osaka specialty.
JPY2000, 1h30m

Day 11: Departure Day

Osaka to Tokyo - Flight Home on November 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Final breakfast in Osaka to fuel your travel day.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Travel from Osaka to Tokyo via domestic flight or Shinkansen

Options: 1 hour domestic flight (approx JPY15000) or 2.5 hours Shinkansen (approx JPY14000).
JPY14000-15000, 0h60m to 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch in Tokyo near Narita/Haneda Airport

Enjoy a convenient lunch at airport before your flight.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Flight from Tokyo to Kuala Lumpur

Return flight, typically takes about 7 hours direct.
MYR2500 per person approx, 7h0m