14-Day Ultimate Japan Sightseeing Tour: Tokyo to Kyoto and Beyond

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival

Tokyo, Japan on May 19, 2025

12:00pm

Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and seafood snacks at this vibrant market known for its lively atmosphere and excellent food stalls.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji, and stroll down Nakamise Street for traditional snacks and souvenirs.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Walk around Ueno Park and Museums

Relax in Ueno Park and if interested, visit the Tokyo National Museum to learn about Japan’s art and history (open 9:30am-5pm).
JPY1000 for Museum, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen Shibuya

Experience one of Tokyo’s most famous ramen chains known for customizable tonkotsu ramen in a unique solo booth setting.
JPY1200, 1h
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Day 2: Tokyo Sightseeing

Tokyo, Japan on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bills Omotesando

Try renowned fluffy Japanese pancakes at this stylish cafe open from 8am, perfect to start your day.
JPY1500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Meiji Shrine

A serene Shinto shrine surrounded by a forest, offering a peaceful break in the busy city.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Harajuku Takeshita Street

Explore funky fashion boutiques and try crepes at this iconic youth culture hotspot.
Free, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Afuri Ramen (Harajuku)

Savor yuzu-flavored ramen for a refreshing twist on this Japanese classic.
JPY1200, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

Experience the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing and see the famous loyal dog statue nearby.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Shopping at Shibuya 109

Explore fashionable boutiques in this iconic shopping mall for trendy Japanese clothing.
Free (shopping optional), 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Known as the ‘Kill Bill’ restaurant, it offers delicious yakitori and Japanese izakaya dishes in a lively setting.
JPY3000, 2h
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Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Train to Nikko

Take the JR or Tobu train from Tokyo to Nikko (~2 hours).
JPY3000, 2h

9:30am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore the lavishly decorated shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of Japan’s most famous historic sites.
JPY1300, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Casual eatery serving delicious local Nikko specialties like yuba (tofu skin).
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Kegon Falls & Lake Chuzenji

Take a short bus ride to admire the beautiful waterfall and serene lake amid nature.
Bus fare JPY500, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Train back to Tokyo for overnight stay.
JPY3000, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Torikizoku Ikebukuro

Affordable yakitori chain offering various grilled chicken skewers and drinks in a fun casual atmosphere.
JPY2500, 1.5h
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Day 4: Tokyo Culture and Modernity

Tokyo, Japan on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sarabeth’s Shinjuku

Start the day with classic American and Japanese breakfast dishes like eggs benedict and pancakes.
JPY2000, 1h

9:30am

TeamLab Planets Museum

Immerse yourself in beautiful digital art installations that blend technology and nature (open 10am-7pm).
JPY3200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch in Odaiba at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

Visit this shopping and entertainment complex and try out local eateries with views of Rainbow Bridge.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit the Tokyo Tower

See panoramic city views from this iconic tower, open until 11pm (last admission 10:30pm).
JPY1200, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Roppongi Hills

Stroll through this upscale complex featuring modern art museums and great shopping options.
Free entry (museum extra), 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Sushi Zanmai Tsukiji

Enjoy fresh, affordable sushi in a lively environment close to the original Tsukiji Market site.
JPY3500, 1.5h
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Day 5: Travel to Hakone

Hakone, Japan on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Tokyo

Fuel up for the day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation before traveling.
Included or JPY1500, 1h

9:30am

Train to Hakone via Odakyu Romancecar

Enjoy scenic rail trip from Shinjuku to Hakone Yumoto (~1h 30min).
JPY2200, 1.5h

11:30am

Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore art sculptures set in beautiful mountainous landscapes (open 9am-5pm).
JPY1600, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Bakery & Table Hakone

Enjoy fresh-baked goods and café meals with views of Lake Ashi.
JPY1500, 1h

3:00pm

Boat Cruise on Lake Ashi

Take a scenic cruise offering views of Mt. Fuji and surrounding nature, lasts about 30 minutes.
JPY1000, 0h30m

4:00pm

Visit Hakone Shrine

A peaceful lakeside shrine with iconic torii gates, perfect for exploring sacred grounds.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Stay at Onsen Ryokan

Check into a traditional Japanese inn with hot spring baths to relax after a day of sightseeing.
JPY15000+, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Ryokan

Enjoy a multi-course kaiseki meal featuring seasonal local ingredients in your ryokan.
Included or JPY7000+, 1.5h
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Day 6: Hakone to Kyoto

Hakone to Kyoto, Japan on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast with fresh local ingredients.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train travel from Hakone to Kyoto

Take the Shinkansen bullet train from Odawara to Kyoto (approx. 2h).
JPY13000, 2h

11:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Start exploring Kyoto with the famous torii gate tunnels of this iconic shrine, open 24 hours.
Free, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Inari Sushi Koji

Try the local specialty inari sushi near the shrine for a quick, authentic meal.
JPY1000, 1h

2:30pm

Check-in to Kyoto hotel or ryokan

Rest and refresh before afternoon exploring or evening plans.
Varies, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Gion District

Walk the historic streets of Kyoto’s famous geisha district, with traditional teahouses and shops.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy classic Kyoto kaiseki or sushi in an atmospheric restaurant popular with locals and visitors.
JPY4000, 1.5h
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Day 7: Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon Kyoto

Relax with a Japanese-style breakfast and green tea at this contemporary café.
JPY1500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Tour this world-famous Zen temple covered in gold leaf surrounded by stunning gardens (open 9am-5pm).
JPY400, 1h

11:00am

Visit Ryoan-ji Rock Garden

See Japan’s iconic Zen rock garden known for its simple, meditative design nearby Kinkaku-ji.
JPY500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at a local soba noodle restaurant

Try fresh handmade soba noodles, a Kyoto specialty, at a cozy neighborhood eatery.
JPY1200, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the famous towering bamboo forest and nearby Tenryu-ji Temple (9am-5pm).
JPY500 for temple, 2h

4:30pm

Visit Togetsukyo Bridge and riverside

Enjoy a scenic stroll along the Katsura River with views of the historic bridge.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Dine on soba and tempura with lovely views of the river in Arashiyama.
JPY3500, 1.5h
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Day 8: More Kyoto Culture

Kyoto, Japan on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a classic Kyoto coffee shop experience with pastries and strong coffee.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive views of the city and historic wooden stage (6am-6pm).
JPY400, 1.5h

11:30am

Walk around Higashiyama District

Stroll through preserved traditional streets with shops, cafes, and historic sites.
Free, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Okutan Kiyomizu

Try traditional yudofu (tofu hot pot), a soothing Kyoto specialty near the temple.
JPY2000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Nijo Castle

Explore the historic castle with ornate interiors and beautiful gardens (8:45am-5pm).
JPY1000, 1.5h

5:00pm

Relax in Maruyama Park

Walk in this popular city park featuring a large weeping cherry tree and peaceful surroundings.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Choose from many intimate restaurants along this atmospheric historic alley by the river.
JPY4000+, 2h
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Day 9: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Train from Kyoto to Nara

Take a JR train to Nara (approx. 45 minutes).
JPY710, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the world’s largest wooden building housing the giant Buddha statue (8am-5pm).
JPY600, 1.5h

10:45am

Explore Nara Park with Deer

Walk the sprawling park famous for friendly free-roaming deer.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Try mochi made fresh in front of you at this famous sweets shop.
JPY800, 0h45m

1:00pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Admire the beautiful lantern-lined paths and historic shrine (6am-6pm).
JPY500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Nara National Museum (optional)

Discover Buddhist art and artifacts in this museum (9:30am-5pm).
JPY520, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Train back to Kyoto to rest for the evening.
JPY710, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Gogyo

Taste the unique burnt miso ramen specialty in a casual setting.
JPY1500, 1h
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Day 10: Kyoto to Osaka Travel

Osaka, Japan on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kyoto hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast in Kyoto before heading to Osaka.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train to Osaka

Short train ride from Kyoto to Osaka (approx. 30 minutes).
JPY560, 0h30m

10:00am

Visit Osaka Castle

Tour the iconic castle and its museum detailing Osaka's history (9am-5pm).
JPY600, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Try street foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki at lively Dotonbori.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop or browse through Osaka’s premier shopping street with variety of stores.
Free, 1.5h

4:00pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Climb to the Floating Garden Observatory for breathtaking city views (9am-10pm).
JPY1500, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Enjoy deep-fried skewers (kushikatsu), Osaka’s specialty in a lively casual spot.
JPY3000, 1.5h
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Day 11: Day in Osaka

Osaka, Japan on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Start with excellent coffee and light breakfast options in a trendy cafe.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Explore one of the world’s largest public aquariums with diverse sea life (10am-8pm).
JPY2400, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tempozan Marketplace

Try casual eateries near the aquarium with local snacks and meals.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Discover one of Japan’s oldest shrines with distinctive architecture and peaceful grounds (6am-5pm).
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Spa World

Enjoy public baths and themed onsen from around the world in this large bath complex (10am-midnight).
JPY1200, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Dotonbori Ichiran

Sample famous tonkotsu ramen in a unique seating style ideal for focused eating.
JPY1200, 1h
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Day 12: Hiroshima & Miyajima

Hiroshima, Japan on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Osaka to Hiroshima

Take the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima (~2h).
JPY10000, 2h

9:30am

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Reflect at this sobering memorial dedicated to victims of the atomic bomb (8:30am-6pm).
JPY200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Okonomimura

Enjoy Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory layered pancake, at this famous food building.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Travel to Miyajima Island

Short ferry ride to scenic island (10-minute ferry from Miyajimaguchi).
JPY180, 0h30m

2:00pm

Visit Itsukushima Shrine

See the iconic floating torii gate and beautiful shrine grounds (6am-6pm).
JPY300, 1.5h

4:00pm

Explore Mount Misen hiking & views

Take a cable car or hike for panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
JPY1800 (round trip cable car), 2h

7:00pm

Return to Hiroshima

Ferry and train back to Hiroshima city for overnight stay.
JPY500, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Nagataya

Savor hearty Hiroshima okonomiyaki with locals at this cozy restaurant.
JPY2000, 1.5h
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Day 13: Hiroshima to Tokyo Return

Hiroshima to Tokyo, Japan on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Simple breakfast to start your travel day.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Tokyo

Take the bullet train back to Tokyo (approx. 4h).
JPY19000, 4h

2:00pm

Check-in to Tokyo hotel

Settle back into your accommodation in Tokyo.
Varies, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Odaiba Seaside Park

Relax by the waterfront with views of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo skyline.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama

Enjoy premium crispy tonkatsu, a beloved Japanese pork cutlet specialty.
JPY3000, 1.5h
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Day 14: Tokyo Departure

Tokyo, Japan on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Have a relaxed breakfast before your departure.
Included or JPY1500, 1h

10:00am

Last minute shopping at Ginza

Explore upscale shopping and pick up any last souvenirs depending on your flight time.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Travel to Narita or Haneda Airport

Take airport limousine bus or train to airport for your flight home.
JPY1000-3000, 1h+
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