7-Day Japan Cultural and Historical Journey from Tokyo to Kyoto

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival

Tokyo, Japan on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast dishes at the famous Tsukiji Outer Market, open from 5:30am to 2:00pm, for an authentic start to your trip.
JPY3000, 1h

10:00am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple, known for its impressive Kaminarimon Gate and vibrant Nakamise Street shopping area. The temple is open 24 hours with shops opening around 9am.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Savor traditional sukiyaki at this well-regarded Asakusa restaurant famous for its high-quality beef and authentic taste. Open from 11:30am to 2:00pm and 5:00pm to 10:00pm.
JPY4000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Stroll around Ueno Park and Museums

Walk through Ueno Park to visit cultural institutions like the Tokyo National Museum and Ueno Zoo. Museums open typically 9:30am to 5:00pm, closed Mondays.
JPY620 for Tokyo National Museum, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dine at the iconic Izakaya that inspired scenes in Kill Bill, offering a lively atmosphere and a variety of grilled dishes. Open from 5:00pm to midnight.
JPY3500, 2h
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Day 2: Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on May 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at PANYA ASHIYA in Shibuya

Enjoy freshly baked Japanese-style bread and coffee at this popular bakery open from 7:00am, perfect to energize for the day.
JPY1000, 1h

9:00am

Meiji Shrine Visit

Explore this peaceful Shinto shrine surrounded by forest, offering insight into Japan's imperial family traditions. Open from sunrise to sunset.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Walk through Takeshita Street

Experience vibrant youth culture, trendy shops, and colorful crepes along this famous Harajuku pedestrian street. Shops open generally 11:00am to 8:00pm.
Free to explore, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Afuri Ramen Harajuku

Try yuzu-flavored ramen at this popular ramen shop known for light, refreshing broth. Open 11:00am to 11:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Relax in one of Tokyo’s largest and most beautiful gardens, blending traditional Japanese and French Formal styles. Open 9:00am to 4:30pm, closed Mondays.
JPY500, 2h

6:00pm

Explore Shinjuku nightlife

Discover Kabukicho district for vibrant nightlife, bars and entertainment options, great for an evening walk and casual drinks.
Varies, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho

Enjoy yakitori and small eateries in this nostalgic alley near Shinjuku Station, open mostly from 5:00pm until late.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Hakone Onsen Relaxation

Hakone, Japan on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Hakone from Tokyo

Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto for scenic 90-minute ride through mountains.
JPY2500, 1h30m

10:00am

Check-in to Ryokan with Onsen

Experience traditional Japanese hospitality with an onsen (hot spring) bath at your ryokan; enjoy the tranquil mountain setting.
JPY15000+ per night, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Bakery & Table Hakone

Enjoy artisanal bakery items and light meals with a view of Lake Ashi; open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Hakone Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Ashi

Take a scenic boat cruise across Lake Ashi with views of Mt. Fuji on clear days; cruises run roughly 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Hakone Shrine

Explore this shrine famous for its torii gate by the lakeside, a serene spot for photos. Open daily, free entry.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Kaiseki Dinner at Ryokan

Delight in a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner served at your ryokan featuring local seasonal ingredients.
Included with ryokan stay, 2h

8:00pm

Relax at Onsen Bath

Unwind in the hot spring bath to soothe your body after travel and activities, open typically from early morning until midnight.
Included with ryokan stay, 1h
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Day 4: Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Kyoto from Hakone

Take the Shinkansen from Odawara Station to Kyoto Station in about 2 hours for convenient travel.
JPY14000, 2h

11:00am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of vermilion torii gates at this iconic shrine dedicated to the Shinto god of rice and prosperity. Open 24 hours, free entry.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ramen Sen No Kaze

Try rich Kyoto-style ramen at this popular local spot near the shrine, open approximately 11:00am to 9:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

See this UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning views of Kyoto from its wooden terrace; open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY400, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Kyoto kaiseki and seasonal dishes in the historic Gion district; open for dinner from 5:00pm.
JPY6000, 2h

8:30pm

Evening Walk in Gion

Stroll through Kyoto’s famous historic entertainment district, known for geisha sightings and charming lantern-lit streets.
Free, 1h
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Day 5: Cultural Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on May 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Start your day with expertly brewed coffee and light pastries from this trendy café in a historic neighborhood, open from 8:00am.
JPY800, 1h

9:00am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the serene and towering bamboo groves, a must-see natural attraction open 24 hours.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage temple famous for its beautiful gardens and historic architecture, open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Saga Tofu Ine

Enjoy healthy and delicious tofu-based meals in the peaceful Arashiyama area, open daily 11:00am to 4:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Sagano Romantic Train Ride

Take a scenic 25-minute train ride along Hozu River, offering beautiful views especially in spring, summer, and autumn. Runs 9:00am to 4:00pm.
JPY620, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Nijo Castle

Tour the historic castle with its beautiful gardens and famous nightingale floors; open 8:45am to 5:00pm, closed Tuesdays.
JPY1000, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Nishiki Warai

Taste Kyoto-style okonomiyaki and local delicacies in Nishiki Market area, open 11:00am to 10:00pm.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 6: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Nara from Kyoto

Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Nara in about 45 minutes for a convenient morning excursion.
JPY710, 45m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the world’s largest wooden building housing the Great Buddha statue, an iconic symbol of Nara; open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:00am

Walk in Nara Park

Enjoy wandering through the park famous for friendly wild deer and beautiful natural scenery.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kakinoha Sushi Hompotan

Try the local specialty, persimmon leaf sushi, at this well-known restaurant near the park. Open 11:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore this famous shrine known for its hundreds of lanterns and spiritual significance; open 6:30am to 6:00pm.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Travel back to Kyoto for your evening activities, taking approximately 45 minutes by train.
JPY710, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Issian Pontocho

Enjoy Kyoto-style skewers and a lively atmosphere in the historic Pontocho district. Open from 5:00pm to midnight.
JPY3000, 2h
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Day 7: Osaka Finale

Osaka, Japan on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Osaka from Kyoto

Take the JR Special Rapid Service from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station in about 30 minutes for easy city access.
JPY560, 30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Sample fresh seafood, takoyaki, and street food at Osaka’s famous food market, open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic castle with its museum and surrounding park, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Enjoy iconic Osakan dishes such as okonomiyaki and takoyaki at lively eateries along Dotonbori, open throughout the day.
JPY2000, 1h30m

3:30pm

Shop and Explore Shinsaibashi

Browse trendy shops and boutiques in Osaka’s premier shopping district, open generally from 10:00am to 9:00pm.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M

Treat yourself to premium Matsusaka beef barbecue in the heart of Osaka; open from 5:00pm to midnight.
JPY7000, 2h

8:30pm

Evening Walk by Dotonbori Canal

End your trip with dazzling neon lights and lively atmosphere along the canal, a must-see Osaka nightlife area.
Free, 1h
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