7-Day Immersive Japan Journey: Tokyo to Kyoto Cultural & Culinary Highlights

Day 1: Arrival & Tokyo Sights

Tokyo, Japan on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and Japanese street food at Tsukiji Outer Market, a vibrant marketplace open from early morning offering authentic tastes of Japan.
JPY2000, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa

Explore Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple with its iconic Kaminarimon gate and Nakamise shopping street, perfect to absorb traditional Japanese culture.
JPY0, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Savor premium sukiyaki or shabu-shabu in this historic restaurant famed for its high-quality wagyu beef.
JPY4000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Explore Ueno Park and Museums

Walk through Ueno Park, visiting the Tokyo National Museum or the Ueno Zoo to enjoy art and nature.
JPY1000, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dine at the atmospheric izakaya known as the 'Kill Bill restaurant' offering traditional Japanese dishes in a lively setting.
JPY3500, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Tokyo Modern & Historical

Tokyo, Japan on May 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bills Shibuya

Enjoy popular ricotta hotcakes and great coffee at this stylish cafe that starts serving early to energize your day.
JPY1500, 1h

9:00am

Visit Meiji Shrine

Experience the serene forested grounds and traditional Shinto architecture in the heart of bustling Tokyo.
JPY0, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Harajuku and Omotesando

Stroll through trendy Harajuku for youth fashion and vibrant culture, then walk to Omotesando for elegant shopping and architecture.
JPY0, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Kyubey Ginza

Indulge in some of Tokyo’s finest traditional sushi with impeccable craftsmanship at this renowned sushi restaurant.
JPY6000, 1h

3:00pm

Explore teamLab Planets TOKYO

Immerse yourself in a unique digital art museum experience featuring interactive light and sound installations.
JPY3300, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Toriki

Enjoy premium yakitori grilled over charcoal, one of Tokyo’s best chicken skewer specialty spots. Reservation recommended.
JPY4000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Nature & Hot Springs

Hakone, Japan on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Tokyo

A light breakfast to prepare for day trip travel to Hakone by Romancecar train.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Hakone via Odakyu Romancecar

Scenic 1.5-hour ride from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto station offering mountain views.
JPY2100, 1h30m

10:00am

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Discover modern sculptures set in nature with views of the Hakone mountains, a perfect blend of art and outdoor beauty.
JPY1600, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bakery & Table Hakone

Enjoy European-style cafe fare with fresh baked bread and local ingredients while overlooking Lake Ashi.
JPY1800, 1h

2:00pm

Cruise on Lake Ashi & Hakone Ropeway

Take a relaxing boat cruise to enjoy beautiful lake and mountain scenery, then ride the ropeway for views of Mount Fuji on clear days.
JPY2500, 2h30m

5:00pm

Relax at an Onsen Ryokan

Stay in a traditional ryokan with natural hot spring baths to unwind and experience Japanese hospitality.
JPY15000, Overnight

7:00pm

Kaiseki Dinner at Ryokan

Enjoy a multi-course traditional dinner showcasing seasonal local ingredients, typically included in ryokan stay.
Included, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Historic Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Traditional Japanese breakfast to energize before the day’s travel and exploration.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Kyoto via Shinkansen

Experience a high-speed bullet train ride from Odawara to Kyoto station, taking approximately 2 hours.
JPY14000, 2h

11:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Famous Zen temple covered in gold leaf, set amidst gorgeous gardens and a tranquil pond.
JPY400, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Delight in traditional Kyoto-style udon noodles near Kodai-ji Temple in a serene atmosphere.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of iconic red torii gates along hiking trails dedicated to the Shinto god of rice and prosperity.
JPY0, 2h

5:00pm

Check-in and freshen up at Kyoto hotel

Relax before dinner in a centrally located hotel to easily access restaurants and nightlife.
Varies, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Nanba

Savor exquisite kaiseki cuisine in Kyoto’s famous Gion district, ideal for experiencing refined seasonal dishes.
JPY8000, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Kyoto Culture & Tradition

Kyoto, Japan on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a classic Kyoto coffee shop breakfast with toast, egg, and strong drip coffee in a historic café.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Famous for its wooden stage overlooking Kyoto, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers spectacular views and historic charm.
JPY400, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore Kyoto’s food market and sample diverse local delicacies including pickles, sweets, and fresh seafood.
JPY2000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Tea Ceremony Experience

Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony to learn about the culture and rituals of matcha tea.
JPY3000, 1h

4:00pm

Stroll the Philosopher’s Path

Take a peaceful walk along this scenic canal-side path lined with cherry trees and temples.
JPY0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ramen Sen no Kaze

End the day with flavorful Kyoto-style ramen at a popular local spot known for rich broth and handmade noodles.
JPY1000, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kyoto hotel

Simple breakfast to prepare for the day trip to Nara by train.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train to Nara

About 45-minute train ride from Kyoto to Nara, a city rich with historic temples and freely roaming deer.
JPY710, 45m

9:30am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Home to the giant Daibutsu (Great Buddha) statue, this UNESCO site is an architectural marvel and spiritual icon.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:15am

Explore Nara Park

Enjoy walking among friendly, free-roaming deer in a beautiful park setting with gardens and ponds.
JPY0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Taste famous fresh mochi rice cakes, known for their soft and chewy texture, a true Nara specialty.
JPY800, 45m

1:30pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

This historic shrine is famous for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns and lush forest setting.
JPY500, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Relax on the train back to Kyoto for some evening leisure.
JPY710, 45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Explore Kyoto’s atmospheric Pontocho Alley with a wide variety of eateries offering traditional to modern Japanese dishes.
JPY3000, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Osaka Food & Departure

Osaka, Japan on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel Kyoto

Light breakfast before travel to Osaka, the food capital of Japan.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Osaka

Short 15-minute train ride from Kyoto to Osaka for final day exploration.
JPY560, 15m

10:00am

Visit Osaka Castle

Tour this famous historic castle featuring beautiful gardens and panoramic city views from the observation deck.
JPY600, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Sample street food specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in the lively Dotonbori district known for neon lights and culinary flair.
JPY1500, 1h30m

2:30pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Walk through Osaka’s largest shopping area featuring diverse shops, boutiques, and cafes.
JPY0, 1h30m

4:30pm

Prepare for Departure

Return to hotel or head to Kansai International Airport depending on your flight schedule.
VARIES, Varies
View Hotel Availability