10-Day Japan Itinerary: Kyoto, Hiroshima, Himeji Day Trip, Osaka & Tokyo Highlights

Day 1: Arrive in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on April 12, 2025

2:00PM

Check-in to Hotel

Settle into Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo located centrally for easy access to main sights.
JPY15000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Fushimi Inari Shrine Visit

Explore the famous torii gate pathways that wind up Mount Inari, a serene and iconic Kyoto experience.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Gion Kappa

Enjoy classic Kyoto cuisine in the beautiful Gion district.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Kyoto Temples & Nature

Kyoto, Japan on April 13, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Katsu Coffee

Start your day with fluffy Japanese pancakes and excellent coffee.
JPY1200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Philosopher's Path Walk

Walk along this scenic path lined with cherry trees and small temples, perfect for morning tranquility.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Okonomiyaki Katsu

Taste delicious okonomiyaki, a savory pancake specialty.
JPY1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Kinkakuji Temple

Admire the stunning golden pavilion reflecting in its pond—a must-see world heritage site.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Togetsukyo Bridge

Experience the magical bamboo forest and cross the iconic wooden bridge.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Savor traditional Kyoto tofu dishes near Arashiyama in a relaxed setting.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Tenryuji & Nijo Castle

Kyoto, Japan on April 14, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy the hotel breakfast before your sightseeing day.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Tenryuji Temple Visit

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage temple with beautifully landscaped gardens.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Nijo Castle

Tour the historic shogun residence famed for its architecture and gardens.
JPY1000, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample a variety of fresh local foods and snacks at Kyoto’s famous market.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Teramachi Street Shopping

Browse through shops and soak in local Kyoto atmosphere.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine beside the Kamo River in one of the many traditional restaurants with atmospheric lighting.
JPY4000, 2 hours

Day 4: Day Trip to Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan on April 15, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up early with a hotel breakfast for your trip.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Shinkansen to Hiroshima

Travel by bullet train to Hiroshima in approximately 1.5 hours.
JPY11000 (one-way), 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Visit the moving memorial and museum dedicated to peace and atomic bomb victims.
Free (park), JPY200 (museum), 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Enjoy Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki in this renowned food building.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Hiroshima Castle Visit

Explore the reconstructed castle and surrounding gardens.
JPY370, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Return to Kyoto via Shinkansen

Go back to Kyoto comfortably by bullet train.
JPY11000 (one-way), 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Dinner near Kyoto Station

Light dinner at Kyoto Station’s food hall like Isetan depachika.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

Day 5: Day Trip to Himeji

Himeji & Kyoto, Japan on April 16, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Prepare with a hearty hotel breakfast for your day trip.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to Himeji

Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Himeji, about 1 hour travel.
JPY6000 (round-trip), 1 hour

9:15AM

Visit Himeji Castle

Tour Japan's most spectacular surviving feudal castle, known for its white exterior and intricate design. Opens 9 AM to 5 PM.
JPY1000, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch near Himeji Station

Enjoy tempura or sushi at local restaurants close to the castle area.
JPY1800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Koko-en Garden

Relax in this exquisite Japanese garden adjacent to the castle offering tranquil ponds, tea houses, and seasonal blooms.
JPY300, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Return to Kyoto

Train ride back to Kyoto to rest and prepare for travel to Osaka next day.
Included in round-trip fare, 1 hour

5:00PM

Free Evening in Kyoto

Relax after the day trip or explore local shops and cafes at your leisure.
Free, Evening

Day 6: Osaka and Nara

Osaka & Nara, Japan on April 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day enjoying breakfast at your Osaka hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Dotonbori Street Walk

Explore colorful Dotonbori district famous for neon signs, shopping, and street food.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori Konamon Museum

Try local specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in an interactive setting.
JPY1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Train to Nara

Short train ride to Nara to visit historic sights.
JPY600 one-way, 40 minutes

2:15PM

Todai-ji Temple & Nara Park

See the giant Buddha and enjoy interacting with friendly deer in the park.
JPY600, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Osaka

Train back to Osaka hotel for overnight stay.
JPY600, 40 minutes

7:30PM

Dinner at Matsusaka Gyu Yakiniku

Relish premium Matsusaka beef grilled to perfection at this reputed yakiniku restaurant.
JPY5000, 2 hours

Day 7: Travel to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on April 18, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy hotel breakfast and prepare for bullet train journey.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shinkansen to Tokyo

Fast 2-hour bullet train to Tokyo.
JPY14000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Check-in Shinjuku Granbell Hotel

Stay in the lively Shinjuku district, a great base for Tokyo exploration.
JPY20000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market

Sample fresh sushi and seafood at this famous market.
JPY3000, 2 hours

3:30PM

Ginza Shopping and Stroll

Explore upscale shops and stylish streets of Ginza.
Free, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dine in a trendy izakaya setting famous for its ambiance and cuisine.
JPY4000, 2 hours

Day 8: Tokyo Highlights

Tokyo, Japan on April 19, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Relax and enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

Witness the famous scramble crossing and visit the loyal dog statue.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Harajuku & Takeshita Street

Explore vibrant youth culture and unique shops in Harajuku.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at L'OCCITANE Cafe

Enjoy French-inspired fare in a charming setting.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Meiji Shrine

Discover peaceful wooded grounds and traditional shrine architecture.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Omotesando

Shop at boutique stores in a fashionable tree-lined avenue.
Free, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Ramen Nagi

Relish savory ramen at one of Tokyo’s top ramen spots.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

Day 9: Tokyo & Departure

Tokyo, Japan on April 20, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Final breakfast to start your day in Tokyo.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise Street

Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple and browse the traditional souvenir street.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Enjoy sukiyaki and traditional dishes in a renowned restaurant.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Return to Hotel, Pack & Last-Minute Shopping

Prepare for departure and pick up any souvenirs nearby.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Departure for Airport

Travel to the airport for your flight home with memories of an amazing Japanese journey.
Varies, Variable