Ultimate 5-Day Japan Adventure: Tokyo to Kyoto Highlights

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival & Explore

Tokyo, Japan on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast at one of the famous stalls in Tsukiji Outer Market, a lively area open from early morning until midafternoon.
JPY2500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple in Asakusa, admire the grand Kaminarimon gate and browse the traditional shopping street Nakamise-dori. Open daily, typically 6:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Stroll through Ueno Park

Enjoy lush greenery, visit museums or simply walk around the pond. It's a serene urban park offering cultural sites and seasonal blooms.
Free, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Ippudo Ramen, Ueno

Savor authentic Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen, a must-try Japanese dish with rich pork broth and tender noodles.
JPY1200, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Akihabara

Dive into the world of anime, gaming, and electronics in this vibrant district. Visit shops and themed cafes, open throughout the day till evening.
Varies, 2h

5:00pm

Check-in and Rest at Hotel

Settle into your accommodation for an evening refresh.
Varies, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Experience traditional Japanese izakaya dining, famous for inspiring the Kill Bill restaurant scene with delicious yakitori and sake.
JPY4000, 1.5h
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Day 2: Tokyo Full Day

Tokyo, Japan on July 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at AIN SOPH. Journey Shinjuku

Enjoy a healthy vegan breakfast in Shinjuku to start your day fresh and energized. Open from 8:00am.
JPY1500, 1h

8:30am

Visit Meiji Shrine

A tranquil Shinto shrine nestled in a forested area next to Harajuku, ideal for experiencing traditional Japan within the city. Opens at 5:00am till dusk.
Free, 1h

9:45am

Harajuku Takeshita Street Walk

Explore the heart of Tokyo’s youth culture with trendy shops, crepe stands, and colorful fashion, open throughout the day.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

Experience the famous bustling scramble crossing together with the iconic Hachiko statue nearby. A great photo opportunity in the lively Shibuya district.
Free, 45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka

Have a fun and unique sushi train experience at this affordable and popular conveyor belt sushi restaurant.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Tokyo Tower Visit

Visit this iconic red and white tower for city views and photo ops; the observation deck is open from 9:00am until 11:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Roppongi Hills

Enjoy shopping, art galleries, and the Mori Art Museum with panoramic observation decks. Open from 10:00am to 10:00pm.
Museum JPY1800, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama

Savor crispy and tender tonkatsu, a breaded fried pork cutlet specialty served with rice and miso soup, open until 10pm.
JPY3000, 1.5h
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Day 3: Tokyo to Kyoto Journey

Tokyo to Kyoto, Japan on July 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or nearby Café

Enjoy a light breakfast before your Shinkansen journey to Kyoto, available typically from 7:00am at most hotels or cafes.
JPY1000, 45m

8:30am

Shinkansen to Kyoto

Take the bullet train from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station, a fast and comfortable ride of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
JPY14000, 2h15m

11:00am

Check-in and brief rest at Kyoto accommodation

Drop off luggage and freshen up before heading out to explore Kyoto.
Varies, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample a variety of Kyoto street foods, including pickles, sweets, and grilled seafood at this bustling and historic market. Open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the famous thousand vermilion torii gates path. The shrine grounds are open 24 hours and free of charge.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Walk along Philosopher's Path

Enjoy a scenic and peaceful stroll along this cherry blossom-lined canal, perfect for an afternoon walk.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Tanto

Dine on authentic Kyoto kaiseki cuisine in the historic Gion district, open until 9:00pm.
JPY4500, 1.5h
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Day 4: Kyoto Cultural Day

Kyoto, Japan on July 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon Kyoto

Enjoy matcha green tea specialties and light Japanese breakfast dishes in a calm setting. Opens 9:00am.
JPY1500, 1h

8:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning gold-leaf covered temple surrounded by beautiful gardens, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit Ryoan-ji Zen Rock Garden

Experience the minimalist and tranquil famous zen rock garden, open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy fresh udon noodles and seasonal vegetables near the Kodai-ji Temple. Open from 11:30am to 2:30pm.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Famous for its wooden stage and panoramic views of Kyoto, open from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Gion District

Wander the historic geisha district with traditional machiya houses, shops, and tea houses.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Experience dining along this narrow alley with numerous restaurants offering traditional and modern Japanese cuisine.
Varies, 2h
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Day 5: Kyoto Morning & Departure

Kyoto, Japan on July 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Savor a relaxed breakfast before your last day begins, check café opening hours between 7:00-9:00am.
JPY1000, 1h

8:30am

Visit Nijo Castle

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its nightingale floors and beautiful gardens, open 8:45am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

10:30am

Last-minute shopping at Kyoto Station

Pick up souvenirs and local specialties at one of Japan’s largest shopping complexes before departure.
Varies, 1h

12:00pm

Departure or onward travel preparations

Head to your next destination or return to Tokyo via Shinkansen depending on your flight or travel plans.
Varies, Varies
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