10-Day Epic Japan Journey: Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, Hiroshima & Universal Studios

Day 1: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and Japanese breakfast delicacies at Tsukiji Outer Market, open from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM, perfect to start your day with authentic flavors near central Tokyo.
JPY2000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple located in Asakusa, known for its vibrant Nakamise shopping street and historic architecture. The temple grounds open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Stroll through Ueno Park and Ameya-Yokocho Market

Visit Ueno Park for lush greenery and museums, then explore Ameya-Yokocho Market for street snacks and souvenirs. Park open 24/7, market generally 10 AM to 7 PM.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ippudo Ramen

Dine on delicious tonkotsu ramen at Ippudo Ramen in Ueno, famous for rich broth and handmade noodles, open 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
JPY1200, 1h

2:30pm

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Relax in this expansive garden blending traditional Japanese, English, and French garden designs. Open 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (last entry 4:00 PM).
JPY500, 1h30m

4:30pm

Explore Shibuya Crossing and Shopping

Experience the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing followed by shopping at nearby stores like Shibuya 109. Shops typically open until 9:00 PM.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Uobei Sushi

Enjoy conveyor belt sushi with affordable prices and fresh options in Shibuya, open until around 11:00 PM.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 2: Hakone Day Trip

Hakone, Japan on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Hakone from Tokyo

Take the Romancecar train from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station (approx 85 mins).
JPY2000, 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Bakery & Table Hakone

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and coffee with a scenic view of Lake Ashi near Hakone-Yumoto Station.
JPY1200, 1h

10:00am

Hakone Sightseeing Cruise

Relax on a pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi, offering views of Mt. Fuji and surrounding landscapes. Cruises run roughly every 30 minutes, operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
JPY1000, 30m

11:00am

Hakone Ropeway

Ride the ropeway from Togendai to Owakudani Valley, enjoying geothermal sites and volcanic gas vents. Operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
JPY1500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Tamura Ginkatsutei

Try traditional tofu cutlet dishes in a well-known local restaurant famous for its savory and healthy offerings.
JPY1800, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore a stunning sculpture park blending art with nature, open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
JPY1600, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Take Romancecar train back to Shinjuku Station.
JPY2000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishiazabu

Enjoy a traditional izakaya atmosphere with grilled skewers and sake; open until 11:30 PM in Tokyo.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Tokyo Modern Culture

Tokyo, Japan on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bills Omotesando

Savor Japanese-style fluffy pancakes and coffee in a stylish setting, open from 8:30 AM.
JPY1800, 1h

9:30am

TeamLab Planets

Immerse yourself in an interactive digital art museum blending technology and creativity, open 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry 6:00 PM).
JPY3200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Uogashi Nihon-Ichi Standing Sushi Bar

Quick and fresh sushi lunch with standing service near Tsukiji, open 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Meiji Shrine and Takeshita Street

Visit the serene Meiji Shrine followed by the colorful and youth-focused Takeshita Street shopping and snack area. Shrine open 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Harajuku Shopping

Explore fashion boutiques and cafes in Harajuku, especially Cat Street and surroundings open until evening.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Roppongi Hills and Mori Art Museum

Visit Mori Art Museum for contemporary art and enjoy panoramic Tokyo city views from Roppongi Hills observation deck. Museum open 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
JPY2000, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten

Taste exquisite breaded pork cutlets in a cozy setting, open 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
JPY3000, 1h
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Day 4: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Shinkansen Travel to Kyoto

Take the bullet train from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station, approximately 2h15m. Trains run frequently from early morning.
JPY14000, 2h15m

11:00am

Check-in and Quick Snack

Check into your Kyoto accommodation and grab a light snack or coffee locally.
Varies, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Discover Kyoto’s kitchen with street food, fresh fish, and traditional snacks, market open roughly 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit this iconic wooden temple with panoramic views of Kyoto, open 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
JPY400, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Gion District

Walk through Kyoto’s historic Geisha district with traditional wooden houses and tea shops.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy seasonal kaiseki cuisine in one of the restaurants in Pontocho Alley, known for its charming ambiance and traditional dishes.
JPY4000, 2h
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Day 5: Kyoto Temples & Nara

Kyoto & Nara, Japan on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Classic Kyoto coffee shop serving breakfast sets with eggs and toast, open from 7:00 AM.
JPY1000, 1h

8:30am

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Visit the famous shrine with thousands of vermilion torii gates, open 24/7 and free admission.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Travel to Nara

Take a 45-minute train ride from Kyoto to Nara, famous for its temples and friendly deer.
JPY700, 45m

12:00pm

Lunch near Nara Park

Dine at a local restaurant near Nara Park offering traditional Japanese set meals.
JPY2000, 1h

1:00pm

Visit Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park

See the Great Buddha at Todai-ji, one of Japan’s largest wooden buildings, then wander Nara Park feeding deer. Temple open 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
JPY600, 2h

3:30pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore this historic shrine famous for its lantern-lined paths, open 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Train back to Kyoto.
JPY700, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Musashi Sushi

Enjoy affordable conveyor belt sushi in central Kyoto, open until 10:00 PM.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 6: Kyoto Culture & Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Bibliotic Hello!

Lovely café offering breakfast in a book-filled atmosphere, open from 8:00 AM.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple

Walk through the enchanting bamboo forest and visit UNESCO World Heritage Tenryu-ji Temple. Temple open 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
JPY500, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu

Enjoy a vegetarian shojin ryori meal inside Tenryu-ji Temple grounds (reservation recommended).
JPY3500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the iconic gold-leaf covered pavilion surrounded by beautiful gardens. Open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
JPY400, 1h

3:00pm

Nijo Castle

Tour this historic castle known for its ornate interiors and nightingale floors. Open 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM.
JPY1000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Kyoto Station Sky Garden

Enjoy panoramic evening views from the sky garden observation deck, open until 10:30 PM.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ganko Sushi

Dine on fresh sushi right near Kyoto Station with a lively atmosphere, open until 10:00 PM.
JPY3000, 1h
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Day 7: Osaka & Universal Studios

Osaka, Japan on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Train from Kyoto to Osaka

Take a 15-minute train from Kyoto to Osaka Station.
JPY560, 15m

8:00am

Breakfast in Osaka Station

Grab a quick breakfast at the station’s dining area with options like Japanese breakfast sets.
JPY1000, 30m

9:00am

Universal Studios Japan

Spend the day enjoying rides, shows, and attractions at Universal Studios Japan. Park open 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
JPY8200, 10h

7:00pm

Dinner Inside Universal Studios

Dine at one of the themed restaurants like Mel's Drive-In or Three Broomsticks, right inside the park.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 8: Osaka Highlights

Osaka, Japan on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Start your day with specialty coffee and light breakfast in Namba area, open from 8:00 AM.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Osaka Castle

Explore this historic castle and its surrounding park. Castle open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
JPY600, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Savor signature Osaka street food like takoyaki or okonomiyaki along the lively Dotonbori canal area.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop and stroll in Osaka’s popular shopping arcade open everyday until late evening.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Admire city views from the Floating Garden Observatory, open 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
JPY1500, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Sample Osaka’s famous deep-fried skewers at this iconic kushikatsu restaurant, open until 11:00 PM.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 9: Himeji Castle & Travel to Hiroshima

Himeji & Hiroshima, Japan on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Himeji

Train from Osaka to Himeji, approximately 1 hour by shinkansen or rapid train.
JPY1700, 1h

8:30am

Breakfast near Himeji Station

Enjoy a light breakfast at a café near Himeji Station before visiting the castle.
JPY1000, 45m

9:30am

Visit Himeji Castle

Tour Japan’s most spectacular surviving feudal castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
JPY1000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Himeji Otemae Street

Try local dishes and casual dining options in the bustling street area near the castle.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Travel to Hiroshima

Shinkansen from Himeji to Hiroshima, approximately 1h15m.
JPY9000, 1h15m

3:00pm

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Reflect at this historic park with the atomic bomb dome and museum, open 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
JPY200, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Okonomimura

Experience Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki in this famous multi-floor restaurant building.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 10: Hiroshima & Departure

Hiroshima, Japan on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Ponte

Cozy cafe offering delicious coffee and light breakfast in Hiroshima city center.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Miyajima Island

Take a ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island to see the iconic floating Torii gate and Itsukushima Shrine, ferry operates from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
JPY1800 (round trip ferry + shrine), 4h

2:00pm

Lunch on Miyajima Island

Try local specialties such as grilled oysters or Momiji manju near the ferry docks.
JPY1800, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Hiroshima and pack

Head back to your hotel to pack and prepare for departure.
N/A, 1h30m

5:00pm

Depart from Hiroshima

Travel to Hiroshima Airport or onward destination via train or bus.
Varies, Varies
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