15-Day Japan Summer Adventure: From Tokyo to Kyoto and Beyond

Day 1: Arrival and Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi or tamagoyaki at Tsukiji Outer Market, open from 5am to 2pm, offering an authentic culinary experience near the iconic fish market.
JPY1000, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple located in Asakusa. Open 6am to 5pm, it's famous for its Kaminarimon Gate and bustling Nakamise shopping street.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Enjoy traditional sukiyaki or shabu-shabu dishes in this long-established restaurant near Senso-ji, open 11:30am to 9pm.
JPY3000-4000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Explore Akihabara

Dive into Akihabara’s electronics and anime culture hub. Open throughout the day; visit various shops like Mandarake and Gundam Cafe.
Free to browse, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen Shibuya

Enjoy personalized Tonkotsu ramen at this famed solo dining ramen chain open from 10am to midnight, perfect for a casual dinner.
JPY1000-1500, 1h
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Day 2: Cultural Tokyo Highlights

Tokyo, Japan on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bills Odaiba

Savour world-famous ricotta pancakes and fresh juices with a view of Tokyo Bay; Bills Odaiba opens at 8am for a bright start.
JPY1500, 1h

9:30am

TeamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum

Explore groundbreaking interactive digital art at Mori Building Digital Art Museum, open 10am-7pm; buy tickets in advance as entries can fill up.
JPY3200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Gundam Cafe

Enjoy themed meals and drinks based on the legendary Gundam anime in Akihabara, open 10am to 9pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Meiji Shrine

Serene Shinto shrine surrounded by forest in Shibuya; open 6am to 5pm, it's a peaceful respite in the bustling city.
Free, 1.5h

3:30pm

Stroll Takeshita Street

Experience Harajuku’s youth culture, quirky shops, and sweet snacks, enjoyable any time in the afternoon.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka

Try a hi-tech conveyor belt sushi restaurant where you order via touchscreen and food arrives on a mini train; open until midnight.
JPY1500-2000, 1h
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Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan on July 3, 2025

7:00am

Early train to Nikko

Take the Tobu Limited Express from Asakusa to Nikko (about 2 hours) to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, well known for its ornate shrines.
JPY2700 one way, 2h

9:30am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Marvel at the lavishly decorated shrine complex dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, open from 8am to 5pm.
JPY1300, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Enjoy traditional Japanese yakitori and soba noodles in a cozy, local eatery close to the shrine.
JPY1000-1500, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Kegon Falls

Walk to this spectacular 97-meter waterfall with viewing platforms; the park is open until sunset.
JPY570 (elevator fee), 1h30m

3:30pm

Return to Tokyo

Catch the afternoon train back to Tokyo for a restful evening after a day filled with nature and culture.
JPY2700, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Robot Restaurant

Experience a crazy, colourful robot show while dining in Shinjuku. Open on weekdays from 5:45pm; book tickets in advance.
JPY8000 (show + meal), 2h
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Day 4: Tokyo to Hakone

Tokyo to Hakone, Japan on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Start with a relaxed breakfast before travel, many Tokyo cafes open by 7am serving coffee and pastries.
JPY800, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Hakone

Take the Romancecar train from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (approx. 1.5 hours) for your hot spring getaway.
JPY2000, 1.5h

11:30am

Check-in and Onsen Experience

Check in to a traditional ryokan like Gora Kadan or Hakone Kowakien and enjoy the soothing hot springs available from noon.
JPY20000+ (with dinner included), Relaxing afternoon

3:00pm

Visit Hakone Open Air Museum

This open-air museum featuring sculptures and art installations surrounded by nature is open 9am to 5pm.
JPY1600, 2h

7:00pm

Traditional Kaiseki Dinner

Experience a multi-course Kaiseki dinner at your ryokan, showcasing seasonal ingredients and finely crafted dishes.
Included in ryokan stay, 2h
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Day 5: Hakone Sightseeing

Hakone, Japan on July 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast included in your stay, offering rice, grilled fish, miso soup and pickles.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Lake Ashi Boat Cruise

Take a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi with views of Mt. Fuji on clear days; boats run from 9am to 4pm.
JPY1000-1500, 1h

10:30am

Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani

Ride the ropeway to volcanic valley Owakudani to see sulphur vents, and try the famous black eggs; the ropeway runs 9am to 5pm.
JPY1500, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bakery & Table Hakone

Enjoy fresh bread and sandwiches with a beautiful lake view. Located near Motohakone, open around 9am to 6pm.
JPY1200, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Hakone Shrine

Walk through crimson torii gates and peaceful forest by Lake Ashi to this historic Shinto shrine open all day.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Ryokan and Relax

Rest and unwind in your onsen baths and the serene surroundings before dinner.
Included in stay, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ryokan

Dinner served at the ryokan with seasonal local ingredients prepared in artistic kaiseki style.
Included, 2h
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Day 6: Hakone to Kyoto

Hakone to Kyoto, Japan on July 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ryokan

A final hearty traditional breakfast before your journey onwards.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Kyoto

Take the train back to Odawara to catch the Shinkansen to Kyoto, about 3 hours total journey.
JPY13600, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore “Kyoto’s Kitchen” with fresh seafood, pickles and street food stalls, open 9am to 6pm.
JPY1500, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Unwind at this UNESCO World Heritage site with panoramic city views, open 6am to 6pm.
JPY400, 2h

5:00pm

Check-in to Ryokan

Relax at a traditional Kyoto ryokan such as Gion Hatanaka for a deep cultural immersion.
JPY20000+, Relax

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Dine on exquisite kaiseki cuisine in a classical Kyoto setting, open from 6pm; reservation recommended.
JPY10000+, 2h
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Day 7: Kyoto Temples Tour

Kyoto, Japan on July 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast to fuel your day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through the iconic thousands of red torii gates; open 24 hours and free to enter.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Walk through Tofukuji Temple Gardens

Visit the famous Zen gardens of Tofukuji, open 9am-4pm with a fee for garden access.
JPY400, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Try udon noodles in an elegant setting near Kodai-ji Temple, open till 6pm.
JPY2000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the shimmering golden temple reflected in its pond; open from 9am to 5pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

4:30pm

Explore Ryoan-ji Rock Garden

Famous zen rock garden adjacent to Kinkaku-ji, open 8am-5pm.
JPY500, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy Kyoto style kaiseki or yakitori in one of the historic narrow alleys famous for evening dining.
JPY4000-8000, 2h
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Day 8: Arashiyama and Bamboo Forest

Kyoto, Japan on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Bibliotic Hello

Start with a cozy breakfast offering great coffee and pastries close to downtown Kyoto, open from 8am.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the famous serene bamboo forest early morning to avoid crowds; open 24 hours.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit this UNESCO site with beautiful gardens and historical buildings, open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Saga Tofu Ine

Experience traditional tofu kaiseki, a specialty of the Arashiyama area near the river.
JPY2000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Boat Ride on Katsura River

Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the scenic Katsura River surrounded by nature.
JPY2200, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Monkey Park Iwatayama

Climb the hill trails to observe wild monkeys with panoramic views of Kyoto; open 9am to 4:30pm.
JPY550, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Yakiniku Hiro

Enjoy premium Japanese BBQ near Arashiyama, open 5pm to 10pm.
JPY3000-5000, 2h
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Day 9: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on July 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kyoto Station

Grab a quick and delicious pastry from a station bakery before departure.
JPY600, 30m

8:00am

Train to Nara

Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station; the trip is about 45 minutes.
JPY710, 45m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the massive Great Buddha statue in this iconic UNESCO site; open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:00am

Nara Park Deer Feeding

Enjoy interacting with and feeding the friendly free-roaming deer around the park.
JPY200 (for deer crackers), 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Try famous mochi sweets freshly pounded in this popular Nara shop, open till late afternoon.
JPY800, 1h

2:00pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Visit the famous lantern-lined paths and beautiful shrine complex, open 6:30am to 5pm.
JPY500 for lantern museum, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Train back to Kyoto for rest and evening planning.
JPY710, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Izuju Sushi

Famous for Kyoto-style nigiri sushi, located in Gion and open until 9pm, perfect to end the day.
JPY2500-4000, 1h30m
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Day 10: Kyoto to Osaka Travel

Kyoto to Osaka, Japan on July 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last Kyoto breakfast with local flavour.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Train to Osaka

Take the JR Special Rapid service from Kyoto to Osaka Station, about 30 minutes.
JPY560, 30m

10:30am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic castle and its museum, plus picturesque park grounds, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY600, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Sample Osaka street food specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki along the lively Dotonbori canal area.
JPY1500-2000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop and stroll through the most famous shopping street in Osaka, open all day.
Free to browse, 2h

5:00pm

Check-in at hotel

Rest and freshen up before an evening out in central Osaka.
JPY10000+, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M, Hozenji Yokocho

Dine on high-quality Matsusaka beef yakiniku in a cozy historic alley, open till late evening.
JPY4000+, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Osaka Entertainment

Osaka, Japan on July 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Enjoy artisan coffee and light breakfast near Namba, open from 8am.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Universal Studios Japan

Spend the day enjoying popular rides and shows inspired by movies; park hours generally 9am to 8pm but check specific dates.
JPY8200, 7h

5:00pm

Return to Hotel

Rest after an exciting theme park experience.
Included, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Try traditional Osaka deep-fried skewers at this popular casual chain, open till late.
JPY2000-3000, 1h30m
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Day 12: Osaka to Hiroshima

Osaka to Hiroshima, Japan on July 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Energy-packed breakfast to start your day of travel.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima

Take the direct Shinkansen to Hiroshima in about 1.5 hours for your historical journey.
JPY10300, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Explore this moving park dedicated to the memory of the atomic bombing victims, open all day and free.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Okonomimura

Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at this famous multi-storey food building, open 11am to 9pm.
JPY1000-1500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Hiroshima Castle

Explore the reconstructed castle along with its museum; open 9am to 6pm.
JPY370, 1.5h

5:00pm

Check-in Hotel

Rest and prepare for next day’s Miyajima visit.
JPY12000+, Relax

7:00pm

Dinner at Hassho

Enjoy local Hiroshima cuisine, especially fresh seafood and yakiniku, open till 9pm.
JPY3000-4000, 2h
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Day 13: Miyajima Island Excursion

Miyajima, Japan on July 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Quick breakfast before ferry ride.
Included, 30m

8:30am

Ferry to Miyajima Island

Catch the JR ferry from Hiroshima Port, operating from 6am, about 10 minutes crossing the Seto Inland Sea.
JPY360, 10m

9:00am

Visit Itsukushima Shrine

Famous floating torii gate shrine, open 6:30am to 6pm; a symbol of the island.
JPY300, 1h30m

11:00am

Hiking Mt. Misen

Explore scenic hiking trails to Mt. Misen summit with panoramic views; trailheads open all day.
Free, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Miyajima Beer Hall

Casual dining with local craft beer and snacks near the ferry port.
JPY1500, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Hiroshima

Ferry back to Hiroshima for rest.
JPY360, 10m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nagata-ya

Try Hiroshima okonomiyaki with a lively atmosphere, open to 9pm.
JPY1500-2000, 1h30m
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Day 14: Return to Tokyo

Hiroshima to Tokyo, Japan on July 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Relaxed breakfast before long train ride.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Tokyo

High-speed train journey approx. 4 hours; reserved seats recommended for comfort.
JPY19900, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch on the move or at Tokyo Station

Try ekiben (station bento boxes) on the train or have lunch at Tokyo Station’s shopping area.
JPY1000-1500, 1h

3:00pm

Check in Hotel in Tokyo

Relax and prepare for last evening in Tokyo.
JPY15000+, 2h

6:00pm

Visit Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue

Experience the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing and visit the famous dog statue nearby, vibrant at night.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Famous as the inspiration for Kill Bill scene, enjoy traditional Japanese izakaya food in a lively setting.
JPY3500-5000, 2h
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Day 15: Departure Day

Tokyo, Japan on July 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Enjoy a light breakfast with coffee before check-out, many cafes open by 7am.
JPY800, 1h

9:00am

Visit Tokyo Skytree

If time permits before flight, admire panoramic views from the tallest tower in Japan; open 8am to 10pm.
JPY2100, 1.5h

11:00am

Transfer to Airport

Leave for either Narita or Haneda airport by train or limo bus for your onward flight.
JPY3000-4000, 1h
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