10-Day Japan Highlights Tour: Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Universal Studios, Hiroshima, Himeji, Mt. Fuji, and Tokyo

Day 1: Explore Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast and great coffee at Inoda Coffee, a historic Kyoto cafe open from 7:30am.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the iconic Golden Pavilion, a stunning Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, open 9am-5pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:15am

Walk to Ryoan-ji Temple

Visit the famous rock garden of Ryoan-ji, just a short walk from Kinkaku-ji, open 8am-5pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy delicious handmade udon noodles near Kodai-ji Temple, famous for its rich broth and fresh vegetables, open 11:30am-3pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Gion District

Explore Gion, the traditional geisha district of Kyoto, stroll along Hanami-koji street and visit Yasaka Shrine, open 24 hours.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa

Dine on authentic Kyoto kaiseki cuisine in the heart of Gion; reservations recommended, open 5:00pm-10:00pm.
JPY6000, 2h0m
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Day 2: Cultural Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Bibliotic Hello!

Enjoy a relaxed western-style breakfast in a cozy book-themed café in central Kyoto, open 8am-6pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the famous thousands of red torii gates and trails of this iconic Shinto shrine, open 24 hours.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Vermillion - espresso bar & info

Casual spot near Fushimi Inari serving light meals and coffee, perfect for a lunch break, open 8am-6pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Tofuku-ji Temple

Famous for its Zen gardens and beautiful autumn colors, this temple offers a peaceful retreat, open 9am-4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Nishiki Market

Sample local delicacies and shop for souvenirs at Kyoto’s lively 'Kitchen of Kyoto', open 9am-6pm.
Varies, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Menbakaichidai (Fire Ramen)

Experience unique fire ramen grilled tableside; opens at 6pm, best to arrive early due to popularity.
JPY1000, 1h0m
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Day 3: Kyoto & Surroundings

Kyoto, Japan on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon Kyoto

Enjoy matcha and Japanese-style breakfast with fresh ingredients, near Kyoto Station, open 8am-8pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk the iconic bamboo forest trails and enjoy scenic views, best early in the morning, open 24 hours.
Free, 1h30m

11:15am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

See one of Kyoto’s top Zen temples with beautiful gardens near the bamboo grove, open 8:30am-5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Enjoy soba noodles with a view of the river in Arashiyama, open 11am-3pm.
JPY1800, 1h0m

2:00pm

Travel to Nara

Take a train from Kyoto to Nara, approximately 45 minutes journey.
JPY710, 45m

3:00pm

Check-in to hotel and short rest

Settle into your accommodation and prepare for next day’s Nara tour.
Varies, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Edogawa Naramachi

Dine on traditional Japanese eel dishes, popular in Nara, open 5pm-9pm.
JPY3500, 1h0m
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Day 4: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a provided or nearby Japanese breakfast to start your day.
Varies, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Explore the Great Buddha Hall, housing one of the largest bronze Buddha statues, open 7:30am-5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

10:45am

Nara Park

Stroll through the park famous for friendly, free-roaming deer and scenic nature.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Try famous mochi rice cakes made fresh, perfect for a snack or light lunch, open 9am-6pm.
JPY500, 0h30m

1:00pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore the historic shrine with thousands of lanterns and lush forest surroundings, open 6:30am-5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Naramachi District

Visit the old merchant district with preserved traditional houses, shops and small museums.
Free, 1h0m

5:30pm

Return to Kyoto

Travel back to Kyoto from Nara by train, approximately 45 minutes.
JPY710, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Menya Inoichi (Kyoto)

Enjoy flavorful ramen in Kyoto, open 6pm-12am.
JPY1000, 1h0m
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Day 5: Osaka City Tour

Osaka, Japan on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Café

Start with a quick breakfast before heading out to explore Osaka.
Varies, 1h0m

9:30am

Travel Kyoto to Osaka

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

10:15am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore this iconic landmark with its museum and panoramic city views, open 9am-5pm.
JPY600, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Enjoy fresh seafood and street foods at this famous Osaka market, open 9am-6pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Shinsaibashi Shopping Street

Explore the vibrant shopping arcade with diverse shops and street food stalls.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Dotonbori

Enjoy the neon-lit canal area famous for food signs and lively atmosphere.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dotonbori Konamon Museum

Try Osaka specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, open 11am-10pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m
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Day 6: Osaka Cultural Day

Osaka, Japan on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Lilo Coffee Roasters

Enjoy quality coffee and light western breakfast, open 8am-6pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Visit the Floating Garden Observatory for panoramic views of Osaka, open 10am-10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore National Museum of Art, Osaka

Dive into contemporary art exhibitions in an impressive underground museum, open 10am-5pm (closed Mondays).
JPY430, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Endo Sushi, Osaka Central Market

Savor fresh sushi from a long-established Osaka sushi spot, open 7am-2pm.
JPY2500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

One of the world’s largest aquariums showcasing Pacific Rim marine life, open 10am-8pm.
JPY2400, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Try deep-fried skewers, a local Osaka delicacy, open 11am-10pm.
JPY2000, 1h0m
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Day 7: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast near Hotel

Have a light breakfast to be ready early for Universal Studios.
Varies, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Universal Studios Japan

Short train ride to Universal City station, approx 20 minutes from central Osaka.
JPY180, 20m

9:00am

Universal Studios Japan Entrance

Full day at USJ enjoying themed rides, shows, and attractions across multiple zones, open 9am-9pm.
JPY8800, 9h0m

6:30pm

Dinner inside Universal Studios

Multiple dining options are available including themed restaurants; recommended to pre-book favorites like Mel's Drive-In or Three Broomsticks.
JPY2000, 1h0m

8:30pm

Return to Hotel

Head back to your Osaka hotel after a full day of adventure.
JPY180, 20m
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Day 8: Hiroshima Day Trip

Hiroshima, Japan on May 23, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Take an early breakfast to prepare for a long day trip to Hiroshima.
Varies, 0h45m

7:15am

Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima

Travel by bullet train, approx 1.5 to 2 hours to Hiroshima station.
JPY10,000, 2h0m

9:30am

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Reflect at the site dedicated to the victims of the atomic bomb, museum open 8:30am-6pm.
JPY200, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Okonomimura

Try Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki, a savory pancake stacked with layers of ingredients, open 11am-9pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island

Take ferry to the UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its 'floating' torii gate, shrine open 6:30am-6pm.
JPY200 ferry + JPY300 shrine, 3h0m

5:00pm

Return to Hiroshima Station and travel back to Osaka

Bullet train back to Osaka, about 2 hours.
JPY10,000, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osaka Station Area

Try casual izakaya dining or street food near your hotel after a long day.
JPY2000, 1h0m
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Day 9: Himeji & Mt Fuji

Himeji & Mt. Fuji, Japan on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Eat a solid breakfast before checking out, ready for travel.
Varies, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel Osaka to Himeji

Train ride to Himeji, approximately 1 hour.
JPY1500, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Himeji Castle

Explore Japan’s most spectacular original castle known for its white exterior, open 9am-5pm.
JPY1000, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch near Himeji Station

Enjoy local cuisine such as Himeji oden or fresh sushi, open 11am-3pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Travel Himeji to Mt. Fuji (via Tokyo)

Take shinkansen to Tokyo (~3.5 hours) then local transport for Mt. Fuji area (~2 hours). This will be a long travel day.
JPY20,000, 5h30m

6:00pm

Check-in and Dinner near Mt Fuji

Stay near the Fuji Five Lakes area or Kawaguchiko and enjoy dinner at a local izakaya.
JPY2500, 1h0m
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Day 10: Mt. Fuji & Tokyo

Mt. Fuji and Tokyo, Japan on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel near Mt. Fuji

Enjoy a typical Japanese breakfast with local specialties.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Explore Mt. Fuji 5th Station

Visit the Mt. Fuji 5th Station for views and hiking options, accessible by bus from Kawaguchiko, bus runs from 8am-4pm.
JPY2000 (bus round trip), 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Lake Kawaguchi

Relax with lake views at one of the lakeside restaurants serving Japanese and western dishes, open 11am-3pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Travel Mt. Fuji to Tokyo

Take the train from Kawaguchiko area to Tokyo station, approx 2.5 hours.
JPY3500, 2h30m

4:00pm

Check-in hotel Tokyo

Get settled into your Tokyo accommodation.
Varies, 1h0m

5:30pm

Visit Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue

Witness the iconic and busiest pedestrian crossing and see the famous dog statue, open 24 hours.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Uobei Sushi Shibuya

Experience fun conveyor-belt sushi with affordable prices, open 11am-11pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m
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