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

Day 1: Kyoto Historical Exploration

Kyoto, Japan on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a traditional Kyoto breakfast and renowned coffee at Inoda Coffee, a historic café famous for its classic ambiance.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the stunning Golden Pavilion, an iconic Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf that reflects beautifully in the surrounding pond.
JPY400, 1h

11:00am

Ryoan-ji Temple

Explore the famous rock garden representing Zen Buddhist philosophy, a peaceful place for contemplation.
JPY500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample a variety of local and seasonal delicacies in Kyoto’s famous food market offering fresh seafood, sweets, and snacks.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Hike through the iconic thousands of red torii gates leading up the mountain at this important Shinto shrine.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappo Sakamoto

Dine on traditional kaiseki cuisine in a refined atmosphere, experiencing Kyoto’s haute cuisine at its best.
JPY8000, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Kyoto and Nara Highlights

Kyoto/Nara, Japan on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Start your day with high quality specialty coffee and light pastries at this popular café near Kiyomizu-dera.
JPY800, 45m

8:30am

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site offering panoramic views of Kyoto and famous for its wooden stage supported by tall pillars.
JPY400, 1.5h

10:30am

Travel to Nara

Take a 45-minute train ride to Nara, ancient capital known for its temples and friendly deer in Nara Park.
JPY710, 45m

11:30am

Todai-ji Temple

Marvel at the Daibutsuden housing Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statue, a highlight of Nara's rich heritage.
JPY600, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou Mochi Shop

Try traditional yomogi mochi made fresh, a unique local treat in Nara’s lively area.
JPY500, 30m

1:30pm

Nara Park and Deer

Walk through Nara Park to feed and interact with the freely roaming sacred deer.
Free, 1h

2:45pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Visit this beautiful shrine famous for its hundreds of stone and bronze lanterns, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
JPY500, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Travel back to Kyoto by train for the evening.
JPY710, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Izuju Sushi

Enjoy authentic Kyoto-style pressed sushi near Gion in this long-established sushi restaurant.
JPY3000, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Kyoto Cultural Day

Kyoto, Japan on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arabica Coffee Arashiyama

Have a light breakfast and premium coffee before exploring the scenic Arashiyama area.
JPY800, 45m

9:00am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the famous towering bamboo groves, a serene and photogenic natural spot.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit this Zen temple with a beautiful garden, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Arashiyama.
JPY500, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ukihashi Restaurant

Enjoy kaiseki style lunch featuring seasonal Japanese ingredients with a view of the Katsura River.
JPY4000, 1.5h

2:00pm

Nijo Castle

Tour this historic castle known for its ornately decorated interiors and beautiful gardens.
JPY1000, 1.5h

4:00pm

Shopping in Kyoto Station Area

Explore the shops and enjoy views from Kyoto Station’s rooftop before dinner.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Musashi Sushi Kyoto Station

Enjoy a fun conveyor belt sushi experience with a variety of fresh selections and reasonable prices.
JPY2500, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Osaka Arrival

Osaka, Japan on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Light breakfast before heading to Osaka by train (approx 15 min via Shinkansen or 30 min by regular train).
JPY1000, 1h

10:00am

Check in to hotel in Osaka

Settle into your accommodation in central Osaka.
Varies, N/A

11:30am

Osaka Castle

Visit the iconic Osaka Castle park and museum, a historic symbol of Osaka with panoramic city views.
JPY600, 1.5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Sample fresh seafood, takoyaki, and other local snacks at this lively traditional market.
JPY1500, 1h

3:00pm

Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory

Enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of Osaka from this architectural landmark’s open-air observatory.
JPY1500, 1h

5:00pm

Dotonbori Street Stroll

Explore the bustling and vibrant Dotonbori area famous for neon lights, street food and entertainment.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Mizuno (Okonomiyaki)

Try Osaka’s famous savory pancake Okonomiyaki at this popular and authentic local restaurant.
JPY1500, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Osaka Modern & Cultural

Osaka, Japan on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Brooklyn Roasting Company

Enjoy expertly roasted coffee and fresh bakery items in a stylish café.
JPY800, 1h

9:30am

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Explore one of the world’s largest aquariums featuring a diverse range of marine life including whale sharks.
JPY2500, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tempozan Marketplace

Choose from a variety of casual eateries nearby the aquarium offering Japanese and international dishes.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Shitennoji Temple

Visit one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples, founded in the 6th century with serene grounds.
JPY300, 1h

3:00pm

America Mura Shopping District

Discover Osaka’s youth culture and trendy shops in this lively neighborhood.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Relax at Nakanoshima Park

Enjoy a peaceful park setting surrounded by rivers and cultural institutions to unwind before dinner.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tsurutontan Udon Noodle Brasserie

Savor delicious, large portion udon dishes in a chic modern setting.
JPY1800, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Hiroshima Peace & History

Hiroshima, Japan on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast in Osaka

Have a quick breakfast before taking the Shinkansen to Hiroshima.
JPY1000, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Hiroshima

Shinkansen ride from Osaka to Hiroshima takes approximately 1.5 hours.
JPY10500, 1h30m

10:00am

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Explore the park, memorials, and the Atomic Bomb Dome, preserving the history and promoting peace.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Okonomimura

Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at this multi-floor complex dedicated to the local specialty.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Hiroshima Castle

Visit the rebuilt castle with its museum focused on Hiroshima’s history and samurai culture.
JPY370, 1h

3:30pm

Shukkeien Garden

Stroll through this historic Japanese garden featuring ponds, tea houses, and seasonal flora.
JPY260, 1h

5:00pm

Hotel Check-in

Settle into your hotel in Hiroshima.
Varies, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at Nagataya

Enjoy an authentic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki experience in a cozy local restaurant.
JPY1500, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Himeji Castle & Travel

Himeji, Japan on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast in Hiroshima

Start your day with a light breakfast before checking out and heading to Himeji by Shinkansen.
JPY1000, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Himeji

Shinkansen ride to Himeji takes approximately 1 hour.
JPY5500, 1h

9:30am

Himeji Castle

Explore Japan’s most spectacular surviving feudal castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the White Heron Castle.
JPY1000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Kokoen Garden teahouse

Enjoy a light lunch or tea with views in this beautiful Japanese garden next to Himeji Castle.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Kokoen Garden

Stroll through this multi-sectioned garden with serene ponds, waterfalls, and seasonal flowers.
JPY300, 1h

3:00pm

Travel to Osaka

Return journey by train (approx 1 hour) to Osaka for the next day’s Universal Studios visit.
JPY1200, 1h

5:00pm

Check in at Osaka hotel

Relax and prepare for Universal Studios the following day.
Varies, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Try Osaka’s famous deep-fried skewers at this iconic kushikatsu restaurant in the Shinsekai district.
JPY1800, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Universal Studios Fun

Osaka, Japan on May 23, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early for a full day of excitement at Universal Studios Japan.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Universal Studios Japan

Experience rides, shows, and attractions based on popular movies and franchises. Opens at 8:30am, plan to stay full day.
JPY8800, 8h

12:30pm

Lunch Inside Universal Studios

Enjoy various food options inside the park, such as Mel’s Drive-In or Jurassic Park-themed restaurants.
JPY2000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner Outside Universal Studios - Yakiniku Motoyama

Refuel with tasty Japanese BBQ near Universal City Station after park closing.
JPY3000, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Mount Fuji & Tokyo Transfer

Mt. Fuji/Tokyo on May 24, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast at Osaka

Prepare for a day trip with a quick breakfast before departure to Mt. Fuji area.
JPY800, 1h

7:00am

Travel from Osaka to Mt. Fuji area

Shinkansen and local trains to Kawaguchiko area, total approx. 4h travel.
JPY15000, 4h

11:30am

Lake Kawaguchi

Enjoy scenic views of Mount Fuji with iconic reflective views from the lake shore.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Houtou Fudou

Warm up with Houtou noodles, a hearty local specialty noodle soup popular around Mt. Fuji.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

Take the ropeway to enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding area, best in clear weather.
JPY1500, 1h

3:00pm

Travel to Tokyo

Head to Tokyo by train; approximately 2 hours from Kawaguchiko station.
JPY2500, 2h

5:30pm

Check into Tokyo hotel

Settle in for your last night in Japan.
Varies, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Enjoy popular Japanese dishes in a lively izakaya setting, the inspiration for Kill Bill’s famous scene.
JPY4000, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Tokyo City Highlights

Tokyo, Japan on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi or traditional Japanese breakfast near the former Tsukiji fish market.
JPY2000, 1h

9:30am

Meiji Shrine

Visit this peaceful Shinto shrine surrounded by forest within bustling Tokyo.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Harajuku & Takeshita Street

Explore trendy youth fashion boutiques, crepe stands, and quirky shops in this vibrant area.
Free, 1.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Afuri Ramen

Taste yuzu-flavored ramen at one of Tokyo’s most renowned ramen shops.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

Experience the famous scramble crossing and visit the statue of Hachiko near Shibuya station.
Free, 1h

2:30pm

Tokyo Tower

Visit the Tokyo Tower for panoramic city views from the main observation deck.
JPY1200, 1h

4:00pm

Shopping in Ginza

Explore high-end shops, department stores, and cafes in Tokyo's upscale shopping district.
Free, 1.5h

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi

End your trip with a top-tier sushi dining experience at this famous sushi restaurant (reservation required).
JPY40000, 2h
View Hotel Availability