10-Day Classic Japan Adventure: Kyoto Afternoon Arrival, Exploring Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, Hiroshima, Mt. Fuji & Tokyo

Day 1: Afternoon Arrival Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on May 16, 2025

2:00pm

Arrival in Kyoto and Hotel Check-in

Arrive in Kyoto in the afternoon and settle into your accommodation to relax after your journey.
Varies, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Nishiki Market

Explore Kyoto’s bustling Nishiki Market, known as 'Kyoto’s Kitchen,' ideal for a first taste of local delicacies. The market is open until 6:00 PM.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Walk through Gion District

Stroll the historic streets of Gion to glimpse traditional wooden machiya houses and possibly spot geisha on their way to appointments.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Kyoto kaiseki cuisine for your welcome dinner in Gion’s atmospheric setting.
JPY4500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Kyoto Temples & Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Begin your day with traditional Kyoto-style coffee and light breakfast at this iconic café.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Explore the famous thousands of vermilion torii gates leading up the mountain; open 24/7 and free admission.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Vermillion - espresso bar & info

Relax with a light lunch and excellent coffee near Fushimi Inari Shrine.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit this iconic temple with sweeping city views, open 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM with JPY400 entrance fee.
JPY400, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk through Higashiyama District

Wander Kyoto’s historic district with traditional shops and tea houses, perfect for afternoon exploration.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine in one of the atmospheric restaurants in the lantern-lit Pontocho alley offering Kyoto specialties.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before an early train to Nara.
JPY1000, 1h0m

8:30am

Train to Nara

Travel from Kyoto to Nara by JR train in about 45 minutes.
JPY710, 45m

9:30am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the world’s largest wooden building housing the Great Buddha; open 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, entrance JPY600.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Nara Park

Spend time with friendly roaming deer and enjoy scenic park areas.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Sample freshly made mochi rice cakes, famous local specialty.
JPY800, 30m

1:30pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Walk lantern-lit paths of this historic Shinto shrine, open 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, entrance JPY500.
JPY500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Train back to Kyoto for the evening.
JPY710, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Station Ramen Street

Enjoy a warming ramen meal at one of the many restaurants within Kyoto Station.
JPY1200, 1h0m
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Day 4: Osaka & Universal Studios

Osaka, Japan on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast at your Kyoto accommodation to prepare for the day.
JPY1000, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Osaka

Take JR train from Kyoto to Osaka, approximately 30 minutes.
JPY560, 30m

9:00am

Universal Studios Japan

Full day of thrilling rides and shows including Harry Potter World; park open from 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
JPY8800, 10h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Universal Studios

Enjoy an early dinner inside the park with options ranging from themed eateries to snacks.
JPY2500, 1h0m

9:30pm

Return to Osaka accommodation

Head back to your hotel for rest after an exciting day.
JPY500, 30m
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Day 5: Osaka City Highlights

Osaka, Japan on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Taste fresh seafood and renowned street foods in Osaka’s vibrant market, open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
JPY1500, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic fortress and its museum, open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with JPY600 admission.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Dotonbori Area

Experience the iconic neon-lit nightlife district and sample street food specialties.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Konamon Museum

Make and enjoy takoyaki or okonomiyaki in this interactive cultural dining experience.
JPY1800, 1h0m

2:30pm

Umeda Sky Building

Take in city views from the Floating Garden Observatory; open 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM, entrance JPY1500.
JPY1500, 1h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Nakanoshima Park

Enjoy a peaceful walk along the river at this attractive urban green space.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma, Shinsekai

Sample Osaka’s famous deep-fried skewers in the lively Shinsekai district.
JPY2800, 1h30m
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Day 6: Day Trip to Himeji

Himeji, Japan on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before traveling to Himeji for castle exploration.
JPY1000, 1h0m

7:30am

Train to Himeji

Shinkansen from Osaka to Himeji takes about 1 hour.
JPY3920, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Himeji Castle

Tour the UNESCO-listed white heron castle, open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, entrance JPY1000.
JPY1000, 2h0m

11:30am

Kokoen Garden

Relax in beautifully maintained adjacent traditional Japanese gardens, open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
JPY300, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Egret Himeji

Savor fresh seasonal dishes with castle views.
JPY2500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Osaka

Train back to Osaka for the evening.
JPY3920, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tsurutontan Soemoncho

Enjoy creative udon dishes in a stylish setting in Osaka’s lively district.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Hiroshima & Miyajima

Hiroshima, Japan on May 22, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast

Light breakfast before departure to Hiroshima.
JPY1000, 1h0m

7:00am

Shinkansen to Hiroshima

Travel from Osaka to Hiroshima in 1.5 hours by bullet train.
JPY10000, 1h30m

8:30am

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum

Visit the poignant memorial park and museum, open 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM; entrance JPY200.
JPY200, 2h0m

10:30am

Atomic Bomb Dome

View the iconic ruins symbolizing the end of WWII, free and open all day.
Free, 30m

11:00am

Travel to Miyajima Island

Take train and ferry to the island for Itsukushima Shrine, ferry runs frequently.
JPY2000 round trip, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch on Miyajima

Try local oysters and momiji manju sweets from island vendors.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Itsukushima Shrine

Visit the UNESCO-listed shrine famous for its torii gate that appears to float on water; open 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, entrance JPY300.
JPY300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Mount Misen Cable Car or Hike

Choose to hike or ride the cable car (JPY1800) up to scenic viewpoints on the island; enjoy nature and panoramic vistas.
JPY1800, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Hiroshima

Ferry and train back to Hiroshima city center.
Included, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Okonomimura

Savor Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at this famed multi-level food building.
JPY2000, 1h0m
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Day 8: Travel to Mt. Fuji Area

Fuji Five Lakes Region, Japan on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Quick breakfast before traveling to the Fuji Five Lakes area.
JPY1000, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Fuji Five Lakes

Use Shinkansen and local trains/buses to Kawaguchiko, estimated 5-6 hours via transfers.
JPY14000 approx., 6h0m

2:00pm

Check-in and Lunch

Arrive at hotel and enjoy lunch at a local café featuring regional specialties.
JPY1500, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Chureito Pagoda

Climb for stunning views of Mt. Fuji framed by the iconic red pagoda; free to visit.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Lake Kawaguchi

Enjoy lakeside leisure with picturesque views, perfect for sunset photography.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at local Izakaya

Have a hearty meal with local sake at a cozy izakaya in Kawaguchiko.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 9: Mt. Fuji & Travel to Tokyo

Fuji Five Lakes Region and Tokyo, Japan on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Get an early start with breakfast before more Mt. Fuji sightseeing.
JPY1000, 1h0m

8:30am

Boat Cruise on Lake Kawaguchi

Enjoy a scenic cruise reflecting Mt. Fuji's beauty, ticket costs JPY1200.
JPY1200, 1h0m

10:00am

Mt. Kachi Kachi Ropeway

Ride the ropeway for panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and the lakes, open daily, ticket JPY900.
JPY900, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Houtou Fudou

Taste the regional dish houtou, a miso-based noodle soup with vegetables, popular near Mt. Fuji.
JPY1300, 1h0m

1:30pm

Travel to Tokyo

Take train and bus connections to Tokyo, approximately 2.5 hours journey.
JPY2500, 2h30m

4:00pm

Hotel check-in & rest

Relax at your Tokyo hotel to recharge for the evening.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Experience vibrant izakaya dining at this atmospheric spot, known as the inspiration for the Kill Bill movie scene.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 10: Tokyo Highlights

Tokyo, Japan on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and street food at this famous market open early till afternoon.
JPY1500, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise Street

Explore Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple and lively shopping street; temple open 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Ueno Park & Tokyo National Museum

Take a serene walk in Ueno Park and visit the Tokyo National Museum open 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, entrance JPY620.
JPY620, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Enjoy traditional sukiyaki, a tasty beef hot pot dish in an elegant setting near Asakusa.
JPY4000, 1h30m

3:30pm

Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

Experience the iconic scramble crossing and visit Hachiko’s statue, open public space.
Free, 45m

5:00pm

Meiji Shrine & Harajuku Shopping

Visit peaceful Meiji Shrine (open 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM) and explore fashionable Harajuku district nearby.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen Shibuya

Relish rich tonkotsu ramen with the unique solo dining experience at this popular ramen chain.
JPY1200, 1h0m
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