10-Day Japan Adventure Starting in Kyoto: Temples, Nara, Osaka, Universal Studios, Himeji, Hiroshima, Hakone & Tokyo

Day 1: Kyoto Arrival & Exploration

Kyoto, Japan on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day at this classic Kyoto coffee shop serving traditional Japanese breakfast sets, open from 7:00 AM.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore the historic wooden temple known for panoramic views of Kyoto; open 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Nishiki Market Lunch

Wander Kyoto’s vibrant food market for snacks and lunch, offering fresh local specialties from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
JPY1500, 1h

1:00pm

Gion District Walk

Stroll through Kyoto’s famous Geisha district admiring traditional wooden architecture and quaint streets.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Yasaka Shrine

Explore this vibrant Shinto shrine located at the edge of Gion, open 24/7 with free admission.
Free, 30m

4:00pm

Relax at Maruyama Park

Enjoy a peaceful walk or rest at this scenic park adjacent to Yasaka Shrine.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Indulge in traditional kaiseki dining at one of the atmospheric restaurants in this historic alleyway.
JPY4000, 2h
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Day 2: Fushimi Inari & Nara Day Trip

Kyoto & Nara, Japan on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Bibliotic Hello!

Enjoy a quiet breakfast among books and art, open from 8:00 AM.
JPY1200, 1h

8:30am

Fushimi Inari Shrine Visit

Walk through the thousands of torii gates in the famous shrine open 24/7 with free admission.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Train to Nara

Travel to Nara by train in approximately 45 minutes to visit historic sites.
JPY700, 45m

12:00pm

Lunch near Nara Park

Enjoy a traditional Japanese set meal in one of the local restaurants close to Nara Park.
JPY2000, 1h

1:00pm

Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park

Marvel at the Great Buddha statue inside Todai-ji, then stroll among friendly deer in Nara Park. Temple open 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
JPY600, 2h

3:30pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine Visit

Explore the shrine famous for its hundreds of hanging lanterns, 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 a fun conveyor belt sushi experience in central Kyoto, open until 10:00 PM.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 3: Kyoto Temples & Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Izusen

Relish healthy Buddhist vegetarian cuisine with breakfast sets near Nanzen-ji Temple, open from 9:00 AM.
JPY1800, 1h

9:30am

Nanzen-ji Temple and Philosopher’s Path

Visit the beautiful Zen temple complex and enjoy a reflective walk along the Philosopher’s Path, open all day.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Savor delicious udon noodles in a traditional setting close to Kodai-ji Temple.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the iconic golden pavilion reflecting in the pond, open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
JPY400, 1h

3:00pm

Nijo Castle Tour

Explore this historic castle with ornate interiors and beautiful gardens, open 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM.
JPY1000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Evening Relax at Kyoto Station Sky Garden

Enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto at sunset from the station’s rooftop garden, open until 10:30 PM.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ganko Sushi

Dine on fresh sushi near Kyoto Station with a lively atmosphere, open until 10:00 PM.
JPY3000, 1h
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Day 4: Travel to Osaka & Explore

Osaka, Japan on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Train to Osaka

Short 15-minute train ride from Kyoto to Osaka.
JPY560, 15m

8:30am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Start with specialty coffee and light breakfast in Osaka’s Namba area, open at 8:00 AM.
JPY1000, 1h

10:00am

Visit Osaka Castle

Tour the impressive castle and expansive grounds; open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
JPY600, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Dotonbori

Enjoy Osaka’s famous street foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in the lively Dotonbori district.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcades

Explore the popular and extensive shopping streets, open till late evening.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Umeda Sky Building Observatory

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

6:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Indulge in Osaka’s signature deep-fried skewers at this popular restaurant, open until 11:00 PM.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 5: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast near Hotel

Grab a quick breakfast at your accommodation or nearby café to fuel up for an exciting day.
Approx. JPY1000, 30m

8:30am

Universal Studios Japan

Spend the day exploring 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

Eat at one of the themed eateries like Mel's Drive-In or Three Broomsticks inside the park.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 6: Himeji Castle & Travel to Hiroshima

Himeji & Hiroshima, Japan on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Himeji

Take a 1-hour train from Osaka to Himeji to visit the famous castle.
JPY1700, 1h

8:30am

Breakfast near Himeji Station

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

9:30am

Himeji Castle Tour

Visit Japan’s best-preserved feudal castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
JPY1000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Otemae Street

Try local dishes and casual dining near Himeji Castle’s vicinity.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Travel to Hiroshima

Shinkansen from Himeji to Hiroshima, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
JPY9000, 1h15m

3:00pm

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Explore this peaceful park honoring the atomic bomb victims, with the museum open 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
JPY200, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Okonomimura

Taste Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki in this popular multilayer food building near the park.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 7: Miyajima Island & Travel Tokyo

Hiroshima & Tokyo, Japan on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Ponte

Enjoy coffee and light breakfast near Hiroshima city center.
JPY1000, 1h

8:30am

Ferry to Miyajima Island and Itsukushima Shrine

Take the ferry (operates 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM) to visit the iconic floating Torii gate and shrine, a must-see cultural site.
JPY1800 (round trip ferry + shrine), 4h

1:00pm

Lunch on Miyajima Island

Try local oysters or Momiji manju sweets near the ferry terminal.
JPY1800, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Hiroshima and train to Tokyo

Travel back to Hiroshima station, then shinkansen to Tokyo, approximately 4 hours total.
JPY19800, 4h

7:00pm

Arrival & Dinner in Tokyo

Check into your Tokyo hotel and enjoy dinner at Ichiran Ramen, open 24 hours famous for rich tonkotsu ramen.
JPY1500, 1h
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Day 8: Tokyo Iconic Sights

Tokyo, Japan on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast items at the lively market, open 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
JPY2000, 1h

9:30am

Senso-ji Temple

Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple with its grand Kaminarimon gate and shopping street, open 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Stroll in Ueno Park & Ameya-Yokocho Market

Relax in Ueno Park and explore Ameya-Yokocho market for snacks and shopping, market open 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ippudo Ramen

Savor rich tonkotsu ramen in a famous Tokyo chain, open 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
JPY1200, 1h

2:30pm

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Walk through this expansive and beautiful garden that blends Japanese and Western styles, open 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
JPY500, 1h30m

4:30pm

Shibuya Crossing & Shopping

Experience the bustling famous crossing and explore shopping nearby including Shibuya 109, shops open to 9:00 PM.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Uobei Sushi Shibuya

Enjoy fast, affordable conveyor-belt sushi in a lively setting, open until 11:00 PM.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 9: Tokyo Modern & Culture

Tokyo, Japan on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bills Omotesando

Taste the world-famous fluffy pancakes and excellent coffee, open from 8:30 AM.
JPY1800, 1h

10:00am

TeamLab Planets

Step into an immersive digital art experience blending light and sound; open 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, last entrance 6:00 PM.
JPY3200, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Uogashi Nihon-Ichi Standing Sushi Bar

Enjoy fresh sushi quickly at this standing sushi bar near Tsukiji, open 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Meiji Shrine & Takeshita Street

Visit this grand Shinto shrine then explore colorful Harajuku shopping street. Shrine open 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Harajuku Shopping

Discover trendy boutiques and cafes in Harajuku’s Cat Street area.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Roppongi Hills & Mori Art Museum

View contemporary art and city views from the observation deck; museum open 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
JPY2000, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama

Treat yourself to mouthwatering pork cutlets in a cozy environment, open until 9:00 PM.
JPY3000, 1h
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Day 10: Hakone Day Trip & Departure

Hakone & Tokyo, Japan on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Hakone

Take early train from Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto, approx 85 minutes via Romancecar.
JPY2000, 1h30m

8:30am

Breakfast at Bakery & Table Hakone

Enjoy freshly baked pastries with views of Lake Ashi near Hakone-Yumoto station.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Ashi

Relax aboard a pirate ship cruise with Mt. Fuji views, operating 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
JPY1000, 30m

10:30am

Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani

Experience the geothermal valley and panoramic sights, open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
JPY1500, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tamura Ginkatsutei

Taste traditional tofu cutlet dishes in a local favorite restaurant.
JPY1800, 1h

1:30pm

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore outdoor sculptures and art in a stunning setting, open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
JPY1600, 1h30m

3:30pm

Return to Tokyo

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

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner in Tokyo

Enjoy your final meal at Gonpachi Nishiazabu, famous for its izakaya atmosphere and grilled dishes, open until 11:30 PM.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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